Pre-game info

[bake17]

Howdy folks...Hope all had a great holiday season. Would like to ask if anyone would want to share some pre-game (with partner)info you use before a game. I'm trying to put together a small guide for new umpires. I just want to compare some notes.

Thanks.....

[Buckeye12]

Here's a list of some things passed out by my association duscussing items for pre-game:

1. Fair and Foul balls up to the base will be called by the plate umpire. Any fair or foul ball from the front of the base on will be called by the appropriate base umpire. Only the umpire making the call will signal. Discuss other situations that may apply to the certain diamond such as no foul lines.

2. Discuss the infield fly signal. All infield flies will be called by any umpire, when the ball reaches its apex and begins its downward flight. (Exception: the plate umpire or a base umpire on the appropriate line will call an infield fly that is near the foul line and may be either foul or fair).

3. Discuss check swings. Know which umpire to check with and be sure your partners will be prepared to make such call. Show them how you will go about appealing that to them so there is no mistake.

4. Discuss coverage of overthrows and foul fly balls near the dugouts or fences.

5. Discuss coverage when the first-base umpire goes out to cover a trap or lin drive, or when the third-base umpire goes out to cover a trap or line drive. Make sure you're all on the same page reguarding rotations.

6. Discuss the first-base umpire following the batter-runner on a base hit that goes through or beyone the outfielders.

7. Discuss the plate umpire taking the play at thrid when a runner goes from first to third base. Also, include the rotation of umpires and who the infield umpire is responisble for.

8. Discuss outfield coverage when there are no runners on base.

9. Discuss andy unusual ground rules for the specific ball park that either of you have experienced there in the past.

10. Discuss how coach confrontations/ejections are to be handled.

11. Discuss the slide rule at any base on a force.

12. Discuss who is responisble for watching the touching of bases on runners and on tag-up situations.

13. Discuss the designated hitter and pitching regulations for the league you are officiating.

14. Discuss the rule concerning the number of trips to the mound that a coach or manager may make, and also offensive trips.

15. Any league, conference, or other special rules that may apply to the contest.

16. Take a few minutes after the last game of the day to discuss any unusual situations that may have occurred. Strive to improve with each game.

I'm sure there are many more important things to be discussed at a pre-game meeting between officials, but hopefully this will help get you started.

[Jerry]

The most important . . . where are we meeting afterwards. And whose turn is it to buy!

Jerry