What do you discuss with Coaches during pregame meet?

[MichaelVA2000]

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.

[JEL]

----------------------------------------------
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.

[whiskers_ump]

Jel wrote:

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.
__________________________________________________ ____

Jel,

Secion 2 Plate Mechanics - FastPitch - NFHS Umpires Manual.

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.

Sure, go for it.

[Dukat]

Originally posted by whiskers_ump
Secion 2 Plate Mechanics - FastPitch - NFHS Umpires Manual.

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.
Sure, go for it.
[/B]

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

[ChampaignBlue]

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.

[Hugo Tafurst2]

Originally posted by bobbrix

(Snip)
here's one for you all ... when you introduce yourself, do you state your name ?

i don't

(snip)

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