[PeteBooth]

Originally posted by Jeremy Hohn

Hey Guys,
I am a long-time basketball official, and decided to help pay for my referee camps for basketball by umpiring a bit of baseball. I am going to start out at the 13-14yr old league here in town. Any tips for a first timer? I have done a bit of little league in the past, but this is going to be quite a jump up here. I need to purchase a rulebook as well. Is there anywhere online for me to get some quick rule lookup? Thanks a bunch...

1. What Rules does this league play by? OBR, FED, or a combination? If this league plays by FED rules, you have to purchase the Rule / Case Books. You cannot get those rules on line. You can get the OBR rules on line but you cannot copy them because MLB owns the rights.

Bottom Line purchase the rule books. The expense isn't that great.

2. If you get a chance watch some of the other umpires work to get a feel for the strike zone that is generally accepted in this league and also what kind of coaches you will be dealing with. This is no different than watching a fellow basketball official to get a feel for the game.

3. As in basketball, dress appropriately. Shoes polished, pants tailored and a clean shirt. It's important to give a professional appearance.

4. Get to the game at least 30 minutes before the start so you can have a good pre-game with your partner, and also make certain each team does not "dilly dally" during their pre-game warm-ups. Example if the game starts at 6PM, each team should be finished with their pre-game by 10 minutes to 6. That leaves 5 minutes for the plate conference and then F1 gets 8 warm-up pitches, therefore, the game starts ON TIME. This is especially important on fields that have no lights.

5. If possible have someone whom you trust and respect watch you and give you a good honest evaluation after the game.

6. I don't know about basketball but in baseball in order for an official to be covered under the HS insurance Policy, you MUST work with another certified official. If you are NOT certified for baseball or you are certified and will be working with NON certified officials, I recommend getting your own insurance. Since you are a basketball official you might have add'l insurance coverage already.

Good Luck!

Pete Booth