Catch/No Catch call

[Magic]

The real problem with this call for many umpires is NOT a rules problem, but a mechanics problem. They call the out as soon as the fielder secures possession of the ball. Then, when he drops it with no voluntary release, the umpire has an unpleasant choice to make: stick with his call and be wrong, or change his call and deal with a pile of crap.

Calling it faster doesn't make us better umpires, as if we get to show off our great eyes or something. Calling it faster won't make anyone more out or safe than they already are. But calling it faster can lead us into steaming piles.

Wait. It's that easy.

While I appreciate the importance of "timing" and not being too quick with a call, once you have used good timing and judged a "no catch", that call should be given ASAP because runners are depending on it ("no catch" can not turn into "catch").

Conversely, an apparent "catch" can become "no catch" (no voluntary release)...slow on the out call is the way to go.

Runners may go (assuming a legal tag up) when ball is touched. My delay in ensuring a catch/no catch in this kind of situation has little bearing on that. Umpires must ensure a voluntary release before committing to a call.

I do know of situations where runners need to know a quick catch/no catch, and most of the time those plays are the result of a dive and/or possible trap

Even on (especially on) the trap catch/no catch, you have to wait for voluntary release...you can't rush the "catch" call. If the ball is trapped ("no catch"), then do give that call ASAP.

The runners don't have to wait - they can go as soon as the ball is touched.

Wait what? So its once a fielder TOUCHES THE BALL not CATCHES THE BALL. Is that correct?

That is correct