[RPatrino]

As far as equipment, the only place I could see skimping would be on the shin guards. I have seen little difference between the lower cost ones and the more expensive ones.

I would highly recommend using some form of foot protection. You could get a high quality steel toe athletic type shoe , but be sure to get shin guards that have some form of metatarsal protection attached to it. I was mentoring a very talented young umpire who did not have plate shoes, and he would not wear mine. He was excellent, until he got hit in the toe with a foul ball. After that, he was never the same.

As to the side tangent, I give the count on every pitch. Quietly, verbally to the catcher and batter, and formally every other pitch. This establishes a rhythm for me during the game which, to me, is important.

I will carry an indicator on the bases, but I put it in my pocket.

Bob