Pregame Checklist
 

Hi Everybody,

I'm going to be working with some younger umpires this season and I want to make sure I have a thorough pregame with them...before reinventing the wheel, does anybody have a Pregame Checklist that they'd be willing to share so I can use it to help younger umpires. For the most part, I work with the same people or experienced umpires where our pregames are very fast...a newer guy, I obviously can't take the same things for granted. Thanks for sharing your pregame checklists if you wish.

Thanks,
John

I cover the following during my pre-game with a partner.

*Fair/foul responsibilities.

*Catch and tag responsibilities.

*Touch of base responsibilities.

*Pulled foot/swipe tag help if needed.

*First to third rotation with R1 only.

*Signs/signals for;

IFF
Timing plays
First to third


*With a newer umpire; check swing appeals.


I probably forgot something, but these are the basics.



Tim.

The most important thing on the plate umpire's check list: His breathing apparatus. :D

MTD, Sr.

Checklist
 

Ump's pre-game conference:
1) properly protected, 2) proper discussion about close play w/ ump
3) local rules (last innning) or updated rules (speed game btw. innings) and
4) home field ground rules {holes, hazards}, and DBT near OF foul lines/dugout
--

Ump training 101
Visual signals between umpires for assistance (ex. count on SB, IFF sitch, etc.), PU and BU equipment (color of undershirt and socks), pre-game conference outline, communication and hustle, mange in/out warmup btwn innings, mechanics on check swings, basecoach appeals, balks, etc., and base coverage situations and rotations.

I have a bouncing ball up to the front of the bag, if it bounces over the bag it's your call. I will take overthrows at 1B with no one on, and I will come up the line to look for pulled foot or swipe tag, in case you need it. I don't expect you will but I will be there anyway. I will take all routine fly balls when you are at 1B. If you go out on a trouble ball I will take the runner to 2b and then 3rd. You have him if he goes home. When you are in the middle I will take LF'er, RF'er, 3Bman, 1Bman moving toward the line, you have them straight away or moving toward the middle. With a runner on 1B I will take him into 3B if a ground ball leaves the infield, otherwise you have him. On a check swing I am automatic, if they ask I come to you, wherever you are. Give me what you got, if I missed a strike I want it back. If the batter fouls one off his body and I don't kill it kill it for me. With a runner on 1B and 2B with less than 2 outs and a fly ball to outfield I will come up to 3B to take the runner into 3rd. On rundowns you have both ends until you hear me say "I've got this end". That means I am in position. Until you hear me I'm not there yet. This if the sign for infield fly, this is the sign for wiping it off, this is the sign to remind of a possible timing play.

Any questions?

Cup, chest protector, mask, shin guards.

Pregame for survival:

• Catch/no catch and tags/touches when BU is in A, and when BU is in B or C.
• Rotations with bases empty triple, R1 only, R1 and R3, and R1 and R2 with less than 2 outs.
• When BU will go out from A, and what PU will do when he does
• Signals - infield fly situation, what's the count I forgot, and GLM in the stands

That's your pregame with your partner?

Well, Bob's on pretty friendly terms with his "partners.":D


Tim.

Here in CT we are down on the BU covering the PU at a play at home when the PU is up the line.

Don't go out when you are in B or C. You call the wedge, I'll get the rest.

sounds good. thanks guys!

I very occasionally work softball with female partners!!;)

Translate please for us Southern boys. What does "down on" mean? I assume this is in reference to BU going out on a play and having to cover home and we don't consider this covering the PU, but the BU's job.

And please translate for the adults here, even those of us who are native northeasterners.