What's your pregame like?

[umpbrian]

Originally posted by RPatrino
Everyone else has covered the actual pre-game conversation very well.

Let me throw this thought into the fire. I work for two associations (HS and "other") that both require a "partner contact call", at least 24 hours prior to the game. We can be fined if this call does not happen.

The call can be as formal as you want, but generally it covers: what time you are going to arrive, shirt colors, where you will park, what you are driving, etc. This is particularly important if you have never been to a field before.

We generally work with the same "group" all season long, we know what colors each other has, and how we are going to cover the game. WE don't know for sure our partner's work schedule, or what the situation is for a particular game. The partner contact call fills in all those gaps.

bob

Great point Bob, we have the same system here in all our sports, It is an extremely important tool that allows the umpires to get on the same page. Not only are we required to call our partner, but in HS one member of the crew, desiginated on their schedule, must call the head coach 24 hours prior to the game and confirm details before contacting their partner(s).
Brian