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Finding the
Ball
Slide plays often produce a great deal of dust, obscuring
your view of the ball. In those cases, you must find the ball before making a
call.
If the runner has beaten the tag, it doesn't matter whether or not
the defensive player has the ball and the runner should be called safe. If,
however, you are certain the tag was made first, but the ball cannot be seen,
point to the defensive player and say, "Show me the ball."
If the
defensive player has the ball in his possession, sell the out with an
enthusiastic pump of the arm and a loud "OUT!" call.
If, as the dust
clears, or the defensive player shows you an empty glove, a confident and
demonstrative "SAFE" call is appropriate.
Do not ask the defensive
player to see the ball if you're already sure the runner is safe. That conveys
lack of confidence in your decision. You should only ask to see the ball if the
tag was properly applied but you cannot see it in the defensive player's
glove.
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