Every moment of pretty much any major sporting event can be dissected in high-definition these days, and officials and umpires are spending more and more time staring at a TV screen to review close calls. This evolution in sports officiating has not only increased accuracy but also led to the development of unique sign languages within the sports community.
In basketball, a common gesture is the twirling motion with a finger indicating that a team has been wronged. This is frequently observed during NBA games, while in the NFL, coaches throw a red challenge flag, an action that fans often mimic to express their frustration. This phenomenon is not limited to American sports; internationally, soccer incorporates the rectangular box drawn in the air for VAR (Video Assistant Referee) decisions. Meanwhile, in cricket, players signal for a review by forming a “T” with their hands, prompting the umpire to draw a similar rectangular box.
Recently, Major League Baseball (MLB) introduced its own method of signaling for challenges: a few pats on the head. This gesture is part of the new Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System, which uses cameras to track each pitch and determine if it falls within the strike zone. While human umpires continue to make the calls, each team can now challenge up to two calls per game.
When players believe a ball-strike call has been missed, they can pat their heads and verbally confirm their desire to challenge the decision. This head-patting gesture has quickly resonated with fans, who have adopted it to express their opinions on officiating. “Everybody now knows what touching the top of their hat means,” remarked D-backs manager Torey Lovullo, highlighting the rapid adoption of this signaling method. “It’s definitely caught on fast. I think it’s a great thing — everyone wants to get the calls right.”
However, the introduction of new signals can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. For instance, Tampa Bay Rays infielder Taylor Walls was ejected from a game after he patted his helmet while arguing a call. Although Walls insisted it was a harmless gesture, plate umpire Nic Lentz interpreted it differently, resulting in an early exit from the game.
Lovullo expressed confidence that such misunderstandings will be rare going forward, noting the verbal command accompanying the head pat will help clarify intentions. In many sports, expanding video review processes have necessitated new strategies for making correct challenges, often relying on quick non-verbal cues.
In the NBA, for example, teams often have an assistant coach who monitors the game on a tablet, quickly reviewing plays to determine whether a challenge is warranted. Players, influenced by the moment’s intensity, may make impulsive decisions, such as twirling their fingers to indicate a belief that a challenge is necessary. Yet, the final decision typically rests with the coaching staff.
Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson emphasized the importance of maintaining composure during replay reviews, which often evoke strong emotions. Similarly, Los Angeles Clippers coach Ty Lue humorously commented on the prevalence of the finger twirl, suggesting its frequent use could become tiresome.
In MLB, managers can signal for reviews of out-safe calls by tapping their hands over their ears, mimicking umpires donning headsets to discuss plays with the league’s replay center. These new signals have emerged alongside a decline in traditional hand signals, particularly after the 2017 Houston Astros cheating scandal, which prompted the introduction of technology like PitchCom for pitch calls and infield positioning decisions.
Despite the technological advancements in officiating, low-tech hand signals remain integral to the sports experience, creating a fascinating juxtaposition. As the realm of video replay continues to expand, the unique languages developed in the sports world stand as a testament to the enduring nature of human communication in athletics.
___
AP Pro Basketball Writer Brian Mahoney, AP Sports Writer Joe Reedy and AP freelance writer Dan Greenspan contributed to this story.
___
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB
