Referee Signals explained in plain English for parents learning Baseball.
Safe
The runner is not out on the play and may stay at the base reached.
When it happens: Common at first base, on steals, and on close plays at any base.
What parents should know: Safe does not always mean the runner was never in danger. It means the umpire judged the runner beat the tag or force play.
Visual cue: Umpire spreads both arms out wide at shoulder height.
Out
The defense completed the play before the runner or batter reached safely.
When it happens: Common on caught balls, force plays, tags, and throws to first base.
What parents should know: After an out, runners may still need to know whether they can stay, return, or advance depending on the play.
Visual cue: Umpire raises a closed fist, often with a strong verbal call.
Strike
The pitch counts against the batter or the batter swung and missed. A foul ball can also count as a strike before two strikes.
When it happens: Called during the at-bat after a pitch, swing, or foul ball.
What parents should know: The count matters because enough strikes usually retires the batter, but foul-ball and younger-division rules can vary.
Visual cue: Umpire signals with a raised fist or pointed hand, usually after saying strike.
Ball
The pitch did not count as a strike and adds to the batter's ball count.
When it happens: Called when the batter does not swing at a pitch outside the strike zone.
What parents should know: Several balls can lead to a walk, unless the league uses coach-pitch, machine-pitch, or other modified rules.
Visual cue: Umpire usually gives the call verbally without a big arm motion.
Foul Ball
The batted ball is not playable as a fair ball and the current play stops.
When it happens: Called when a batted ball lands or settles foul according to the field lines and rule situation.
What parents should know: Runners usually return unless a specific rule says otherwise. Wait for the umpire before assuming the ball is dead.
Visual cue: Umpire raises both arms or points toward foul territory while calling foul.
Fair Ball
The batted ball is live and players should keep playing.
When it happens: Used when a ball near a line is playable in fair territory.
What parents should know: Parents should keep watching the play. A fair ball near the line can turn into multiple bases quickly.
Visual cue: Umpire points into fair territory, often without yelling if the ball is clearly fair.
Time
The ball is dead and active play has stopped until the umpire restarts it.
When it happens: Called for coach visits, player safety, equipment issues, or when play is otherwise stopped.
What parents should know: Runners normally stop advancing once time is granted. Coaches and players should wait for the ball to be put back in play.
Visual cue: Umpire raises both hands overhead or holds both arms up to stop play.
Play Ball
The game or live action is ready to restart.
When it happens: Used before a pitch after time, between innings, or after a stoppage.
What parents should know: This is the signal that players should be set and ready again. Younger games may include extra verbal reminders.
Visual cue: Umpire points toward the pitcher or plate area and announces play.
Dead Ball
The play is stopped because something made the ball no longer live.
When it happens: Can happen after certain foul balls, hit batters, interference, lodged balls, or safety stoppages.
What parents should know: Dead-ball situations can change where runners are placed, and those placements vary by rule set.
Visual cue: Umpire raises both hands and calls dead ball or time to stop action.
The Count
The umpire is reporting the current balls and strikes on the batter.
When it happens: Often given after a pitch sequence or when players, coaches, or spectators need clarity.
What parents should know: The count helps parents understand why the batter walks, keeps hitting, or is called out on strikes.
Visual cue: Umpire may hold up fingers or announce the count aloud, such as two balls and one strike.