Pre-Game

[Simply The Best]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

This season will see me working with a number of new partners for high school and college games. I don't anticipate the luxury of short pre-game conferences, but they beat long post-games by far.

How long before the game are your HS and NCAA officials requied to be at the field? Maybe I am misinterpreting your answer but ime, especially with HS games starting at 1800hrs +/-, most umpires have to hustle from work to make game time.

Unless, of course, they involve beer and ribs rather than discussing nightmares from the past contest.

lol

[yawetag]

Originally Posted by Simply The Best

How long before the game are your HS and NCAA officials requied to be at the field? Maybe I am misinterpreting your answer but ime, especially with HS games starting at 1800hrs +/-, most umpires have to hustle from work to make game time.

6pm? Lucky you. Most of our Varsity games are 4pm, with JV and Freshmen at 4:15.

[Simply The Best]

Originally Posted by yawetag

6pm? Lucky you. Most of our Varsity games are 4pm, with JV and Freshmen at 4:15.

Don't officiate FED but I concur that many weekday games do start at 1600hrs. Which makes the extended pregame less and less possible unless both umpires are independently wealthy, retired or on the USGOV's dole.

Or they would have to have a very flexible employer and/or very flexible hours.

FYI, I see more JV/Frosh games preceding Varsity...since it is easier to get a JV/Frosh game to completion in 15 minutes.

[yawetag]

Originally Posted by Simply The Best

FYI, I see more JV/Frosh games preceding Varsity...since it is easier to get a JV/Frosh game to completion in 15 minutes.

I don't understand why the JV/Fr games start 15 minutes later. If they were at the same school, I could see ADs thinking that it gives the Var coach a chance to pull a JV player if someone doesn't show. However, a lot of the JV/Var games are played at different schools.

[MikeStrybel]

Originally Posted by Simply The Best

How long before the game are your HS and NCAA officials requied to be at the field? Maybe I am misinterpreting your answer but ime, especially with HS games starting at 1800hrs +/-, most umpires have to hustle from work to make game time.lol

My comment was meant to infer that I will take my pre-games more seriously this year. After being out of the country for so long, many faces have changed and I am working with a new assignor. I would rather spend ten minutes covering pre-game than a half hour writing reports or discussing how we could have prevented a fire. Most of the guys here have given the basics and I would probably spend a minute or two simply getting comfortable with my partner(s) experience level. In Illinois we have three designations - Registered, Recognized and Certified. I learned long ago that some X's are far better than some C's. Some guys stay at the lowest designation because they work full collegiate schedules and just a handful of HS games. A couple former MiLB guys are in the same boat. I take nothing for granted any more - the new breed of umpires seem to be light years ahead of where I was at their age and it makes me glad to have them on the field with me.

I try to get to the field an hour prior to game start. That allows me to unwind, converse with partner(s) and find a place to keep my 44 year old prostate content. It's hell getting old!

[Rich]

Some games in our area start at 4:30, but thankfully most have moved to 5pm.

I work with the same handful of guys all season long, so our pregame is typically short.

I like the "no sunglasses" thing. Just another thing thought up by someone with too much time on his hands. If it's sunny, I'm in sunglasses all the time. I'm not going to stick them in my hat for a 5 minute or less meeting.

[Forest Ump]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

I like the "no sunglasses" thing. Just another thing thought up by someone with too much time on his hands. If it's sunny, I'm in sunglasses all the time. I'm not going to stick them in my hat for a 5 minute or less meeting.

I actually started making a conscious effort this year to remove my sunglasses before the plate meeting. I like the idea of making good eye contact with each manager. Not saying it's right or wrong, just how I like to do it.

[umpjong]

When umpJJ and I work together, the most important aspect of our pre game is to assure we have both taken our pre game ibuprofen/advil. Our surgically repaired bodies demand it!!!!!

[Simply The Best]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

My comment was meant to infer that I will take my pre-games more seriously this year. After being out of the country for so long, many faces have changed and I am working with a new assignor. I would rather spend ten minutes covering pre-game than a half hour writing reports or discussing how we could have prevented a fire. Most of the guys here have given the basics and I would probably spend a minute or two simply getting comfortable with my partner(s) experience level. In Illinois we have three designations - Registered, Recognized and Certified. I learned long ago that some X's are far better than some C's. Some guys stay at the lowest designation because they work full collegiate schedules and just a handful of HS games. A couple former MiLB guys are in the same boat. I take nothing for granted any more - the new breed of umpires seem to be light years ahead of where I was at their age and it makes me glad to have them on the field with me.

Do partners get assigned by certification e.g. Regs with Regs, etc.)?

I try to get to the field an hour prior to game start. That allows me to unwind, converse with partner(s) and find a place to keep my 44 year old prostate content. It's hell getting old!

I wouldn't know, I refuse age.

[MikeStrybel]

My schedule shows Xs, Rs and Cs. I trust that my assignor puts guys on games who are equal to the task. I have to admit that as much as I enjoy working with the best veterans, the times I get to call a game with a rookie are really fun. I recall long ago working with guys who had a sleeve full of accomplishments (Illinois issues a State Final patch to those assigned) and soaking up their wisdom and knowledge of local coaches. The best advice I received from one of them is to return the favor some day. I hope to do that.

The IHSA assigns post season games based on performance. Not only do Cs rate fellow umpires but we also can compose a Top 15 list to help inform them of who we think is worthy. Coaches rate us every game (at least they are supposed to) and submit a Top 15 list as well. Local umpire groups also have Top 15 lists. The IHSA takes these into consideration when placing umpires on playoff games. They have no input on regular season assignments though.

Jimmy Buffet said it best. I'm growing older, but not up.

[Chris Viverito]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

My schedule shows Xs, Rs and Cs. I trust that my assignor puts guys on games who are equal to the task. I have to admit that as much as I enjoy working with the best veterans, the times I get to call a game with a rookie are really fun. I recall long ago working with guys who had a sleeve full of accomplishments (Illinois issues a State Final patch to those assigned) and soaking up their wisdom and knowledge of local coaches. The best advice I received from one of them is to return the favor some day. I hope to do that.

The IHSA assigns post season games based on performance. Not only do Cs rate fellow umpires but we also can compose a Top 15 list to help inform them of who we think is worthy. Coaches rate us every game (at least they are supposed to) and submit a Top 15 list as well. Local umpire groups also have Top 15 lists. The IHSA takes these into consideration when placing umpires on playoff games. They have no input on regular season assignments though.

Jimmy Buffet said it best. I'm growing older, but not up.

Mike - we are working together on Monday. Thanks for providing me all this history and perspective for our first meeting. I understand that you have been officiating for many many years and that this is your first year in our association. Welcome aboard. You will be afforded all the respect of a veteran official...and all of the initiation rituals of a Freshman pledge.

With that in mind...a few notes for the Freshman member:

Your dish - I look forward to your pre-game
Ribs and beer are on you
We wear black
We wear charcoal
In consideration for your years of experience - don't worry - I'll polish my own shoes

See you Monday (Bill Klem and Poseidon willing). Looking forward to it.