[KHSAA Blue]

I saw something last night i've never seen before. The umpires were communicating with each other during the game via hand signals- arm brush, ear tugs, cap taps, that sort of thing. It looked like they were calling in pitches or plays or something.

What could they be communicating about during a game like that? If there's a question they should just confer and work it out as it is usually done.

Trust me, the signals you refer to are just reminders to the other umpire(s) and their return signal means that they are aware of the situation. Touching the bill of the cap means the infield fly rule is in effect. The arm brush means that the infield fly rule is no longer in effect AFTER it has been in effect. Pointing to the wrist means that there are two outs and the possibility of a timing play (runs scoring that count before the third out is recorded) exist. There is no great conspiracy; you can find these signals in any umpiring mechanics manual.