at most HS games I get dressed in the parking lot, do pre-game with my partner and then go to the field and introduce ourselves. If I can get there early, I will let the coach know before I get dressed.

Not usually in these parts. We're expected to be there, and on the field 15 minutes before the game starts.

It's required in the JUCO conference I work, but for anything else, no.

Always do for HS and college, gives them no excuse to not have completed infield or have their pitcher ready to go.

This is my first year working in Missouri, but when I worked in Virginia I never informed anyone. We were always within view of the field. In addition, being out in the open while changing it was kinda hard to miss us.

On the instance we had a walk, we would always get to the field a little early (dressed) and sneak through the concession stand for a cold one to take on the field.

I always let the coach/AD/site administrator know that I am there as soon as I arrive.
My only exception is the few wreck league games I may work during a slower time in the HS/College world.

The last two options of the poll are interchangable. The poll has no value.

Then add those two together, and then it has value. :D

You must be new to the English language and you certainly are no pollster.

Maybe if he had just taken out the last option, because the last option could go with the second last one, and it could go with any of the other ones.

I'm pretty sure they speak english in his part of Canada.

That said, no one claimed that the poll was designed to be "valid" or "scientific." I see a difference between the last two answers, but if someone else doesn't then they don't need to act on the information in the poll. <shrug>

I see a difference between the last two...
 

The last option-"Why would I do that?" is for the clueless or the absolute neophytes to umpiring.

The next to last is for those who do not need to let anyone know or just don't care.

At least that is the way I see it.

My two cents. Your mileage may vary.

I voted for Not usually, but I've done it for big games., but I don't see what you mean about "Why would I do that?" indicating cluelessness or a rank beginner's answer. I nearly answered it that way, because very rarely would I even consider doing that. It is not mandated (the last I knew) here, and most fields are a long walk from any parking area. Plus, we are expected to be there, and the coaches really would say "Good for you" if we reported in like Gomer Pyle to Sergeant Carter.

I also don't see how saying that it is "not my practice" is the same as "I just don't care." It just isn't necessary in many areas. There is no shame in NOT letting the coaches know you've arrived. Perhaps if an area has trouble getting umpires to show up for games, then it would be a great idea. As I said earlier, if you don't show for a game around here, you're pretty much done.

I do it at every HS game,