I start out by:

Introducing my partner and myself.

Advise the coaches to go to the umpire that made the call if they have questions about a play.

I check the lineup from the home team coach, ask if there are any changes befor making it official. I repeat this task for the visiting coach.

Inquire about any time limits.

For FED games I ask both coaches if their players are legally and properly equiped.

I cover sportsmanship, jewelry, whether or not their district has adopted any mercy rule, and whether or not they use the ITB in case of a tie game at the end of 7 innings.

I then have the home team coach give the ground rules.

If there are no questions I let the home team know they can take the field.

Re: After discussion...
 

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Cecil Said: Please don't legislate/redesign the strike zone. Call it as defined with a little spread if both pitchers are really bad.

I believe the meaning here is don't define your zone at the pre-game.

by advocating a "little spread" under a certain circumstance, the two sentences appear to me to be inconsistent.

A little spread is of course not in the book, but sometimes is needed. In 10U FP, if you call "By The Book", you may be in for a long night. If the pitchers hit 1 strike out of 7,or 8, I call anything hittable a strike.

I think an ump can have a wide strike zone as long he is consistent. I don't feel I am legislating or redesigning anything; especially considering how common it is at 14U to provide a decent strike zone. I dont feel I go to far at all.

Consistencey is the key. If you use a wide zone, that is fine, but again, don't tell coaches at any time you are adjusting your zone. Back to 10U, seems a lot of new hitters swing at eyeball high, and bounced pitches, and watch the big fat happy one down the middle! Set your zone and stick with it.

Jel wrote:

<i>A little spread is of course not in the book, but sometimes is needed. In 10U FP, if you call "By The Book", you may be in for a long night. If the pitchers hit 1 strike out of 7,or 8, I call anything hittable a strike.</i>
__________________________________________________ ____

Jel,

Secion 2 Plate Mechanics - FastPitch - NFHS Umpires Manual.

<b>In calling balls and strikes, it is generally most accepted to
bring the pitch down or up into the strike zone and widen it out, making
sure to give a good corner.</b>

Sure, go for it.

Please don't let Sam be on this board! :) Sorry, I couldn't resist!

I like to add a couple of things. I do mostly AA ball (that's alleged adult for our new member) and I remind them that I want no hitting above the belt, slide give yourself up or go around. Torso to torso gets a judgement call that you could have avoided. I think that it's important to remind them that this is recreation and we want no injuries so everybody can go to work the next day.

I introduce my partner(s) and myself by name.

"This is Mr. Smith and I'm Mr. Tafurst"

Always last names, not first names.
I don't know why.
I think it sounds professional.
Except for very casual games (which I do once in a while)I think it sets a proper tone.
I even do it with guys that maybe used to coach my daughter and that I've gone out drinking with.
It's a reminder that for the next 7 innings, our relationship is a little different.

Hugo (Dr. Jeckle/ Mr. Hyde) Tafurst