Partner 'doesn't bother with signals'

[Kyle_Stevens]

The other night I had a partner that I haven't worked with. During our pre-game/changing clothes I asked him what signals he used during the game. He started telling me his strike mechanic. I was a little confused (and getting worried at this point, we were calling a prospect camp game 16-18 yr) and let him finish. Then I asked him specific signals like infield fly, coverages. He told me he 'doesn't bother with signals' he just goes and calls. I really didn't know what to say other than a skeptical 'oh, really'. Anyway, during our games I used the signals I normally do and communicated as normal.

What do you do when your partner doesn't bother with signals or communicate well? Do you try to 'make' him communicate? Am I geting worked up over nothing?

[Bigdog]

Hey all,

I hate when that happens! I know and occasionally work with a guy who makes up his own signals during games. His IFF signal went from touching his ear to touching his nose to touching his belt buckle, then finally acknowledging everyone else's signal for ANYTHING with rubbing the edge of the bill of his hat with his index finger.

Bigdog:cool:

[Umpire in Chief]

Kyle,

I'd say in this situation is you do your part still give the signals just as you did, he may catch on. If I can determine a teams steal signal, it wouldn't be hard at all to learn umpires signals and catch on. You never know who will be watching. If you're doing your part the rest is on him.

[littleleagueump]

In this case, REQUEST him to do it. Be blunt! I have many umpires that work for me in my leagues and I require them to communicate, work together as a team. We (you and I) as umpires are the third unknown and unappreciated team on the field.

I have in my corp, a handful of umpires (about 5 or 6) that we don't need to do pre-game chats because we know what we do. We know what to expect of each other. Sometimes, we get funny, like when we do two outs, we put two fingers up behind our head like a rabbit, fingers in our nose or many other things. This is not recommeded by the way. LOL.

You and your partner need to be on the same page, especially if you have never worked or have worked very little with this person. It could cause a problem in the game. One of you may get confused or in trouble on a call.