During a new pitcher's warmup pitches....

[DG]

Before the game starts I watch warmup pitches 1-4 from the 3b line, then watch 5-7 from behind the catcher, all in the slot for a RH batter and then tell the catcher to throw it down and get out from behind with my brush ready to dust off the plate. I don't do this again the bottom half, and I don't know anybody who gets behind a mid-inning substitute pitcher to watch him throw.

I wouldn't think anything of you getting behind the catcher for any number of pitches prior to the start of the game, But I would give it a thought if you did the same in the bottom half of the 1st and if you did it for a substitute pitcher in a middle inning you would be doing something I never see (hint). What I normally see is the PU with a notepad out writing down changes while the substitute pitcher warms up. Get a couple of extra balls if you need them while he is warming up.

[waltjp]

I think the thing that would first tip anyone off about a rookie blue is timing. Many new umps time to time every call to coincide with the play and this will eventually lead to trouble. Have someone video tape one of your games. It doesn't have to be the entire game, just a couple of innings will do. Make sure to keep the tape running between innings too. You'd be surprised at what you see.