Softball umpires use clear, standardized hand signals so players, coaches and fans know every call. The most common are a raised right arm with a clenched fist for a strike or an out, both arms swept out flat to the sides for safe, pointing toward fair territory for a fair ball, both arms raised overhead for a foul ball, time or dead ball, and the left arm extended to the side for a delayed dead ball, such as obstruction or an illegal pitch. Umpires also show the count with their fingers, balls on the left hand and strikes on the right. Knowing these signals helps players react correctly, coaches manage the game and spectators follow the action. This guide explains the common signals, how umpires work together and how to learn them.
Rulebook note: Signals and mechanics are set out in umpire manuals from organizations such as NFHS, NCAA and USA Softball. Details can vary slightly between organizations and levels, so check the manual used in your league.
Common signals
| Signal | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Right arm raised with a clenched fist, or a punching motion | Strike or out |
| Both arms swept out to the sides, palms down | Safe, or no catch |
| Both arms raised overhead, palms out | Foul ball, time or dead ball |
| Pointing toward fair territory | Fair ball |
| Fingers held up, balls on the left hand and strikes on the right | The count |
| Right arm raised, index finger pointing up | Infield fly |
| Left arm extended horizontally | Delayed dead ball, such as obstruction or an illegal pitch |
| Right arm raised, index finger circling overhead | Home run |
| Pointing at the pitcher | Play ball |
Strikes and outs
The strike and out signals are similar, using the right arm with a clenched fist, often with a firm motion to show the call clearly. Plate umpires may use slightly different motions for strikes and outs, depending on their training, but both are made with the right arm. A called ball usually has no hand signal; the umpire simply says ball. On a swinging strike, the umpire may signal only if the swing is not obvious.
Safe and no catch
The safe signal, both arms swept out to the sides with palms facing down, is used when a runner reaches a base safely. The same signal is used to indicate that a fielder did not make a legal catch, such as when a ball is trapped or dropped. The umpire often adds a verbal call, such as safe or no catch.
Fair and foul
For a fair ball, the umpire points toward fair territory, usually without a verbal call, so players do not confuse it with foul. For a foul ball, the umpire raises both arms overhead and calls foul, sometimes followed by pointing toward foul territory. The plate umpire usually makes fair and foul calls near home plate, while base umpires may make them on balls down the lines past the bases.
Time and dead ball
When play is stopped, such as for an injury, an equipment issue or a conference, the umpire raises both arms overhead and calls time. The same signal indicates a dead ball, such as after a foul ball or a hit batter. Play resumes when the umpire points at the pitcher and calls play ball.
Delayed dead ball
A delayed dead ball means play continues, but the umpire will make a ruling after the play ends. The umpire signals it by extending the left arm horizontally. Common examples include obstruction, where a fielder impedes a runner, and some illegal pitches, where the offense may choose to take the result of the play or the penalty, depending on the rules. Once the play is over, the umpire calls time and applies the appropriate ruling.
Infield fly
With fewer than two outs and runners on first and second, or the bases loaded, a fair fly ball that can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort may be declared an infield fly. The umpire raises the right arm with the index finger pointing up and calls infield fly, if fair, or infield fly, batter’s out. The batter is out regardless of whether the ball is caught, which prevents the defense from dropping the ball deliberately to get a double play.
Illegal pitch and other pitching calls
When a pitcher violates the pitching rules, such as failing to present the ball properly, leaving the pitching plate improperly or making an illegal motion, the umpire calls illegal pitch, usually with a delayed dead ball signal. In many fastpitch codes, the penalty is a ball awarded to the batter and runners advancing one base, although the offense may have the option to take the result of the play instead if it is more favorable. Rules and options differ between organizations, so check your league’s current rulebook. Umpires may also warn pitchers or explain the violation, especially at younger levels.
Verbal calls and communication
Signals are almost always paired with verbal calls. Umpires say strike, ball, out, safe, foul and time clearly so players close to the play can hear. On close plays, umpires may sell the call with a more emphatic signal and a louder voice so everyone on the field sees and hears it. Umpires also communicate with coaches during breaks, explaining rulings when asked respectfully. Coaches and players who want clarification should ask calmly between plays rather than arguing, since umpires are more likely to explain their reasoning in a respectful conversation.
How umpires work together
- The plate umpire calls balls and strikes, most fair and foul calls near home plate and plays at the plate.
- Base umpires make calls at the bases, such as safe and out on steals and force plays.
- Umpires may confer on half swings, tag plays or rule interpretations.
- Positioning changes depending on the number of umpires and the runners on base.
In a two-umpire system, which is common at many levels, the base umpire moves between positions depending on runners, and the plate umpire may cover some base calls. Larger crews divide responsibilities further.
Step-by-step: learning umpire signals
- Start with the basics: strike, out, safe, fair, foul and time.
- Watch umpires during games and match their signals to the plays.
- Practice with teammates, taking turns making calls during scrimmages.
- Learn the count signals, balls on the left hand and strikes on the right.
- Study special signals such as infield fly and delayed dead ball.
- Read the umpire manual for your league for full details.
Why players should know the signals
Players who understand umpire signals can react faster and make better decisions. A base runner who sees the safe signal can keep running, while one who sees an out can return to the dugout. Fielders who see a delayed dead ball signal know the umpire will rule after the play. Knowing the count signal helps batters and pitchers stay aware of the situation. Coaches can also spot potential rule issues more quickly.
Common mistakes
- Confusing fair with foul signals.
- Stopping play when the umpire has signaled a delayed dead ball.
- Misreading the count by mixing up the hands.
- Ignoring the infield fly signal and running unnecessarily.
- Arguing calls rather than asking for clarification respectfully.
Frequently asked questions
What does it mean when a softball umpire extends the left arm?
It is a delayed dead ball signal. Play continues, and the umpire will rule after the play, often for obstruction or an illegal pitch.
How do softball umpires show the count?
With fingers held up, balls on the left hand and strikes on the right, as seen from the field.
Does a softball umpire signal a ball?
Usually not. The umpire typically calls ball verbally without a hand signal.
