Pre-Game Conf, Things NOT to say!!

[bellsjc]

Originally Posted by UMP25

"Is everyone legally equipped?"

I still maintain this is one of the stupidest things to ask. What do we expect a coach to say--"Uh, no. We have three illegal bats, two cracked helmets, and a wad of vaseline we intend to use."?

It may be a stupid thing to ask but you do ask it right? Are we forced to ask it for legal, or liability issues? I basically say... Are both teams properly equipped according to Federation rules? Would like you remind both teams about sportsmanship requirements, I give the groundrules, I usually don't ask the coach to give them, have a good game.

Originally Posted by bellsjc

It may be a stupid thing to ask but you do ask it right? Are we forced to ask it for legal, or liability issues? I basically say... Are both teams properly equipped according to Federation rules? Would like you remind both teams about sportsmanship requirements, I give the groundrules, I usually don't ask the coach to give them, have a good game.

Somewhere along the line the home team coach has to provide to you what the prevailing ground rules are for his field. The umpire does not SET ground rules, only enforces them and decides what they are if BOTH coaches cannot come to an agreement on what they should be. Part of the pre-game conference is to talk about existing conditions and if they differ - for example - for a gravel area next to a dugout at the end - is it live ball or dead ball territory. I worked one game where there was an area within the confines of the fence but tarped over with old tires holding it down. It was made clear by HT that the area was DBT however it got there, even though fielders had full access. I said OK, let's go, and that was that.

[UMP25]

Originally Posted by bellsjc

It may be a stupid thing to ask but you do ask it right?

No. I don't.

But that's because I don't do FED ball anymore.

Disclaimer: I have nothing against those who do. Hopefully this will discourage some hypersensitive chap here from throwing a hissy fit.

[RPatrino]

Please explain to me how as an umpire, you could be expected to know the ground rules of each and every field you work on? Why would you not want the home team coach to cover the ground rules at his park?

I had two games scheduled in one week at the same school. In the span of 2 days, what used to be open field was now fenced with temporary fencing and other additions were made to the field. The ground rules had changed considerably between Tuesday and Friday. Don't assume anything.

[bellsjc]

Originally Posted by RPatrino

Please explain to me how as an umpire, you could be expected to know the ground rules of each and every field you work on? Why would you not want the home team coach to cover the ground rules at his park?

I had two games scheduled in one week at the same school. In the span of 2 days, what used to be open field was now fenced with temporary fencing and other additions were made to the field. The ground rules had changed considerably between Tuesday and Friday. Don't assume anything.

I would love to explain to you why I give the ground rules. I am conducting the pre-game conf. I am in control. I like to give the ground rules because it shows that I am in control. If I have never done a game on the field... I usually say "ok ground rules... stop me if you have something different and we will discuss it." I can usually go around the field without much trouble, if and when I get to an area where I am unsure, I ask a question. It just shows the coaches and players that I am the authority... not them. I like it when the coaches don't say much at the pre-game conf. and throughout the game itself. Just my opinion, for what its worth.

[Gaff]

Originally Posted by bellsjc

I would love to explain to you why I give the ground rules. Blah, blah blah. I am in control. If I have never done a game on the field... I usually say Blah, blah, blah, blah. It just shows the coaches and players that I am the authority... not them. I like it when the coaches don't say much at the pre-game conf. and throughout the game itself. Just my opinion, for what its worth.

More like "Out of control"

[mcrowder]

Originally Posted by bellsjc

I would love to explain to you why I give the ground rules. I am conducting the pre-game conf. I am in control. I like to give the ground rules because it shows that I am in control. It just shows the coaches and players that I am the authority... not them.

Oh. One of THOSE umpires.

Why is it so important for you to prove your power to the world? You don't need any of this rigamarole to show you are "in control" - if you ask me, it shows me that you seem rather unsure of your control if you feel the need to assert it so strongly.

[Don Mueller]

Originally Posted by bellsjc

I would love to explain to you why I give the ground rules. I am conducting the pre-game conf. I am in control. I like to give the ground rules because it shows that I am in control. just shows the coaches and players that I am the authority... not them.

To each their own

But IMO

If deferring the explanation of ground rules to the HT manager lessens my position of authority on the field that day I have serious problems.

Quite frankly more authority is shown using the traditional method.
For example:

Option 1

PU
"Frank, won't you take us around the field and explain the ground rules"
I just told the coach what to do, and he did it. How much more authority do you need than that?

Option 2

PU
"OK, here are the ground rules......blah blah blah....."

Frank
"No Don, the tarps in play today" insert any change, addition, or oversight you wish.

Now Frank just trumped you. He corrected you and you must submit. You just relinquished authority in this situation.

Just maybe there's a reason HT manager giving the ground rules is traditional.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by bellsjc

I would love to explain to you why I give the ground rules. I am conducting the pre-game conf. I am in control. I like to give the ground rules because it shows that I am in control. If I have never done a game on the field... I usually say "ok ground rules... stop me if you have something different and we will discuss it." I can usually go around the field without much trouble, if and when I get to an area where I am unsure, I ask a question. It just shows the coaches and players that I am the authority... not them. I like it when the coaches don't say much at the pre-game conf. and throughout the game itself. Just my opinion, for what its worth.

It's worth about $0.00000000000000001 per word. Maybe less.

Lineup cards, home coach gives the ground rules, start game. I'm in quiet, perfect control.

[LMan]

Originally Posted by bellsjc

I am conducting the pre-game conf. I am in control. I like to give the ground rules because it shows that I am in control...... It just shows the coaches and players that I am the authority... not them. ...

Do you demand a loyalty oath at the end?

[UMP25]

Originally Posted by bellsjc

I would love to explain to you why I give the ground rules. I am conducting the pre-game conf. I am in control. I like to give the ground rules because it shows that I am in control. If I have never done a game on the field... I usually say "ok ground rules... stop me if you have something different and we will discuss it." I can usually go around the field without much trouble, if and when I get to an area where I am unsure, I ask a question. It just shows the coaches and players that I am the authority... not them. I like it when the coaches don't say much at the pre-game conf. and throughout the game itself. Just my opinion, for what its worth.

Bellsjc in the pregame meeting...

[griff901c]

Originally Posted by UMP25

Bellsjc in the pregame meeting...