Changing a call - notifying the opposing coach

[grayhawk]

This was added to NCAA rules this year, but I think it's a good procedure for all levels of baseball.  

The situation is this...a call has been made and the coach has asked for the crew to confer to see if the non-calling umpires have information that the calling umpire needs to render a correct decision.  Of course, before the calling umpire gets the crew together, he has asked the coach to return to his dugout or coaches box.  Nothing new there.  The NCAA has made the following addition for the 2017-2018 rules: 

Appendix E: Paragraph E, A.R. 2:

"Common Practice: The umpires shall notify the opposing head coach of the umpire’s decision to change the call before signaling their decision to the press box or crowd. Once the notification is made to the coach, the calling official will signal the final decision."

I know, for many, this is common practice.  However, many umpires will signal the final decision first, and then talk to the opposing coach to tell him why the call was changed.  I believe informing the opposing coach first is the better procedure because it gives the umpires the opportunity to explain their ruling rather than just signaling the call and having the coach make assumptions.  Of course, when the umpire(s) start approaching the opposing coach, he already knows that the call is changing, but giving the explanation in advance of signaling the change should soften the blow a little.

Even though this has been common practice for a while, it's good to see it in writing.

[JaxRolo]

I like it. makes sense.