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tcblue13 Tue May 05, 2009 09:41pm

Plate Conference
 
Run Down your normal Plate Conference - No one will call you a moron or say ooo (Whatever that means) about you. This is just for comparison and education.
1. Intros coaches, captains, umpires (usually plate introduces both officials)
2. Are all player legally and properly equipped?
3. Ask home coach to cover ground rules
4. Any special provisions
5. Sportsmanship reminder
6. Let's play

IRISHMAFIA Tue May 05, 2009 10:35pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcblue13 (Post 599964)
Run Down your normal Plate Conference - No one will call you a moron or say ooo (Whatever that means) about you. This is just for comparison and education.

1. Intros coaches, captains, umpires (usually plate introduces both officials)
2.

Review line-up cards
Return and ask coaches to verify line-up

3. Ask home coach to cover ground rules
4. Any special provisions
5. Sportsmanship reminder
Flip coin, if necessary
6. Let's play

vcblue Tue May 05, 2009 10:45pm

I am so glad neither of you said, "coaches if you have a problem with a call. Call time and go to the umpire that made the call".

Why don't blues' that say this just say, "hey coach, my partner or I will blow at least one call today, but don't come running out to confront us until I grant you time".

I don't know who started this line, but he/she should be shot.

Welpe Wed May 06, 2009 12:07am

Mike's list works for me.

Add on: Issue pre-game warning for bean balls if necessary. Oh wait, wrong diamond sport. :D

wadeintothem Wed May 06, 2009 12:23am

I'll go with Mike's too. I dont do the sportsmanship warning though.

For coin flip, I usually pick who will call it or who is heads. I dont do the who's farther, roll a ball to the circle, rock paper scissors, flip twice stuff. Usually the person who was out there first calls it. I dont tell jokes, goof off, conduct uniform inspections or any of that stuff. Slam bam thank you maam, play ball.

Steve M Wed May 06, 2009 03:45am

I'll jump on here with Mike's list, too.

For high school ball in Pa, we're required to read a sportsmanship message.

Chess Ref Wed May 06, 2009 06:23am

I'm also a slam bam thank you ma'am kinda guy .

But around here at the end we ask our partners if they have anything to add. I'm thinking of seriously dropping that. Partners come up with some weird things.

Yesterdays partner gave us the lecture on how its only a game. Decent enough guy,decent enough partner, so after the game I asked about it. Its kind of a thing with him and the world taking softball so seriously..."shrug"

wadeintothem Wed May 06, 2009 07:37am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chess Ref (Post 600009)
I'm also a slam bam thank you ma'am kinda guy .

But around here at the end we ask our partners if they have anything to add. I'm thinking of seriously dropping that. Partners come up with some weird things.

Yesterdays partner gave us the lecture on how its only a game. Decent enough guy,decent enough partner, so after the game I asked about it. Its kind of a thing with him and the world taking softball so seriously..."shrug"

Definitely know your audience before asking "Anything to add?" :D

tcblue13 Wed May 06, 2009 07:38am

I also check the line up and let the coaches give is a final once over. I left that off my list.
Our association requires the reminder about sportmanship. One of our umpires handles it uniquely though. He says something along these lines, "I know I don't need to say anything to you about sportmanship."

Dukat Wed May 06, 2009 08:05am

After I ask them if they are legally equipped I have started specifically mentioning jewelry and let them know that I consider anything around the wrist or neck to be jewelry including items that were designed for the hair.

Even then I usually still get at least one team warning a game.

wadeintothem Wed May 06, 2009 08:13am

I'm guessing the "properly equipped stuff" would be a NFHS only addition to pregames?

Should have specified - mine I was thinking ASA

ASA/NYSSOBLUE Wed May 06, 2009 08:16am

1. Handshakes/player greetings

2. Umpire introductions - "Mr. Jacobs is your base umpire, I am Mr Sherwood your plate umpire"

3. Jewelry notification - mandatory in NYS

4 Sportsmanship notification - also mandatory

How long the two above take depends on the level/time of year - 7th/8th grade games early in the season: the cards get read, usually by team captains. By this time of the year, I get it done in two quick lines: "You all are aware of sportsmanship, right? You all know about no jewelry/hard objects, right?"

5. ground rules

we also have been told to remind teams about one minute in between innings, but I will usually take care of that talking to the coaches during our pregame chat/gossip session...

On a good day the plate conference is over in less than a minute! Had a partner last week, however, who took five excruciating long minutes to get it done.....

Skahtboi Wed May 06, 2009 08:24am

1. Intros coaches, captains, umpires (usually plate introduces both officials)
2. Review line-up cards as per Mike's list.
3. Ask home coach to identify site administrator, since they are never there early enough to meet before walking on the field. (NFHS and college only.)
4. Are all player legally and properly equipped? (NFHS)
5. Ask home coach to cover ground rules
6. Any special provisions
7. Coin toss if necessary.
8. Let's play

AtlUmpSteve Wed May 06, 2009 08:50am

Quote:

Originally Posted by wadeintothem (Post 599989)
For coin flip, I usually pick who will call it or who is heads. I dont do the who's farther, roll a ball to the circle, rock paper scissors, flip twice stuff. Usually the person who was out there first calls it. I dont tell jokes, goof off, conduct uniform inspections or any of that stuff. Slam bam thank you maam, play ball.

The "legally and properly equipped" applies only in NFHS, as does any sportsmanship reminders. I can't think of anything that gets coaches wondering about an umpire's knowledge more than attempting to apply a standard that doesn't apply before the game even starts. College coaches, as well as upper level travel teams, immediately identify you as a "high school ump"; and that isn't meant to be a compliment by most.

I give even less options than Wade on a coin flip. I assign the team to my left "heads", and the team to my right "tails", then I flip. Same every time, less chance of mixing anything up. A coin flip decision doesn't require giving anyone a choice; just a 50/50 chance. (Besides, the coach can go back saying "he" didn't lose, I did.)

Skahtboi Wed May 06, 2009 09:36am

Quote:

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve (Post 600034)
The "legally and properly equipped" applies only in NFHS, as does any sportsmanship reminders. I can't think of anything that gets coaches wondering about an umpire's knowledge more than attempting to apply a standard that doesn't apply before the game even starts. College coaches, as well as upper level travel teams, immediately identify you as a "high school ump"; and that isn't meant to be a compliment by most.

I give even less options than Wade on a coin flip. I assign the team to my left "heads", and the team to my right "tails", then I flip. Same every time, less chance of mixing anything up. A coin flip decision doesn't require giving anyone a choice; just a 50/50 chance. (Besides, the coach can go back saying "he" didn't lose, I did.)


I do the same on the coin flip.

wadeintothem Wed May 06, 2009 09:42am

Thats also my preferred method especially in championship play... sometimes though I do pick someone to pick at the showcases and whatever. In championship play, no goofin around with even that.

I agree that most upper level coaches immediately identify you as "just another goofy umpire" type if you go into all these unnecessary things in the pregame. Coaches that have been around 10-15+years - what are you really telling them when you go into your diatribe (NFHS mandated statements aside)?

Chess Ref Wed May 06, 2009 11:07am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skahtboi (Post 600043)
I do the same on the coin flip.

Had a double flipper a couple of weekends ago. First time I ever had a partner who did the double flip. :cool:

archangel Wed May 06, 2009 02:02pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA (Post 599972)
Review line-up cards
Return and ask coaches to verify line-up

The ONLY time I return a lineup card to a coach, is if I notice something wrong (such as a players # missing, or the coach forgot to sign it), which has been rare. Otherwise, whats the point? I will verbally mention each teams DH in what spot though..
If nothing looks wrong, why the need to re-verify? He filled it out. Does anyone think the coach will look over to compare #'s to correct players? All he's going to do is glance at it and hand it back, possibly offended, thinking "whats with this guy?- theres nothing wrong on my card"...

Everyone has their own pregame, sure,..... but I put this one with the "come talk to me if you have issues" comment

Skahtboi Wed May 06, 2009 02:14pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by archangel (Post 600119)
The ONLY time I return a lineup card to a coach, is if I notice something wrong (such as a players # missing, or the coach forgot to sign it), which has been rare. Otherwise, whats the point? I will verbally mention each teams DH in what spot though..
If nothing looks wrong, why the need to re-verify? He filled it out. Does anyone think the coach will look over to compare #'s to correct players? All he's going to do is glance at it and hand it back, possibly offended, thinking "whats with this guy?- theres nothing wrong on my card"...

Everyone has their own pregame, sure,..... but I put this one with the "come talk to me if you have issues" comment

From the 2009 CCA Softball Umpires Manual:

"Once the plate umpire is satisfied that the lineup contains the necessary information, she should hand it back to the coach for a final look."

From the NFHS Softball Umpires Manual:

"Make certain you check each lineup card including first, last name, defensive positioning and number of each participant and hand it back to the coach for a last inspection."

In other words, you do it because it is what you are instructed to do. Once the lineup is handed back to you, it becomes official, and any problems that have been hitherto missed by the coach can now be penalized.

Dakota Wed May 06, 2009 02:17pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skahtboi (Post 600121)
From the 2009 CCA Softball Umpires Manual:

"Once the plate umpire is satisfied that the lineup contains the necessary information, she should hand it back to the coach for a final look."

From the NFHS Softball Umpires Manual:

"Make certain you check each lineup card including first, last name, defensive positioning and number of each participant and hand it back to the coach for a last inspection."

In other words, you do it because it is what you are instructed to do. Once the lineup is handed back to you, it becomes official, and any problems that have been hitherto missed by the coach can now be penalized.

From the 2009 ASA Umpire Manual:
Quote:

D. Plate umpire receives line-up cards from each coach.
1. Inspects for proper number of players in the starting line-up
2. Inspects for proper information, by rule
3. Returns line-up card to respective coach for final check
4. Accepts as "official" when cards are returned to plate umpire

MichaelVA2000 Wed May 06, 2009 02:19pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chess Ref (Post 600065)
Had a double flipper a couple of weekends ago. First time I ever had a partner who did the double flip. :cool:

NSA wants a double flip during their tournaments.

tcblue13 Wed May 06, 2009 02:20pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by archangel (Post 600119)
The ONLY time I return a lineup card to a coach, is if I notice something wrong (such as a players # missing, or the coach forgot to sign it), which has been rare. Otherwise, whats the point? I will verbally mention each teams DH in what spot though..
If nothing looks wrong, why the need to re-verify? He filled it out. Does anyone think the coach will look over to compare #'s to correct players? All he's going to do is glance at it and hand it back, possibly offended, thinking "whats with this guy?- theres nothing wrong on my card"...

Everyone has their own pregame, sure,..... but I put this one with the "come talk to me if you have issues" comment

Yesterday, I handed the lineup cards back tothe coaches to review and one wrote in a substitute who had come late and another had to double check the number of her flex. Sometimes they are prepared hours before a game and things can change. It is policy for our association and coaches have come to expect it.

ronald Wed May 06, 2009 02:30pm

Well, Skahtboi has cited the manuals. The rule books for Fed and ASA state that lineups are to be inspected by coaches/captains at the pregame. That implies they have to look at it and peruse it. That will prevent a problem that you did not notice and a bigger one when smart coach states that blue did not allow me to inspect the lineup. Now what are you going to rule and what is your UIC going to say when that screw up happens.

I suggest leaving your thoughts about this at the car and follow the instructions. Sometimes, our rules writers do write something wise.:):):)


Thanks, Ron

Skahtboi Wed May 06, 2009 02:31pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dakota (Post 600122)
From the 2009 ASA Umpire Manual:


Hmm....that about covers it, doesn't it?

Skahtboi Wed May 06, 2009 02:33pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by archangel (Post 600119)
All he's going to do is glance at it and hand it back, possibly offended, thinking "whats with this guy?- theres nothing wrong on my card"...


Or, maybe the coaches you have seen are looking at you, possibly offended, wondering why you didn't do as the rule book prescribes.... :rolleyes:

SethPDX Wed May 06, 2009 02:39pm

Things that are required by our NFHS association:
-"Are your players properly equipped?" (usually add, "All the jewelry off?" so they get the picture)
-"Did you bring a first aid kit?"
-Reminder about sportsmanship

One of my partners told me that in volleyball, they must read the entire statement about sportsmanship that the state association prints up on little cards for us. For softball we just tell them to remember good sportsmanship is expected.

archangel Wed May 06, 2009 02:48pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skahtboi (Post 600121)
From the 2009 CCA Softball Umpires Manual:

"Once the plate umpire is satisfied that the lineup contains the necessary information, she should hand it back to the coach for a final look."

From the NFHS Softball Umpires Manual:

"Make certain you check each lineup card including first, last name, defensive positioning and number of each participant and hand it back to the coach for a last inspection."

In other words, you do it because it is what you are instructed to do. Once the lineup is handed back to you, it becomes official, and any problems that have been hitherto missed by the coach can now be penalized.


Whoa everyone-- you All are correct. I'm just a currently bored baseball umpire that decided to float to a different sport's forum, and forgot where I was......until I went to change sites and thought "oh, thats right, this is softball, well, if Im wrong, I'll hear about it".

Fed baseball doesnt have the "hand back to coach" rule, just 4-1-3...shall deliver their respective batting orders in duplicate to the UIC. The umpire shall permit inspection by both head coaches...

Glad to know you softball officials are on your toes......

wadeintothem Wed May 06, 2009 03:52pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by archangel (Post 600134)
Whoa everyone-- you All are correct. I'm just a currently bored baseball umpire that decided to float to a different sport's forum, and forgot where I was......until I went to change sites and thought "oh, thats right, this is softball, well, if Im wrong, I'll hear about it".

Fed baseball doesnt have the "hand back to coach" rule, just 4-1-3...shall deliver their respective batting orders in duplicate to the UIC. The umpire shall permit inspection by both head coaches...

Glad to know you softball officials are on your toes......

one of them thangs we gots to do.. its the ceremonial "ok its official" moment... after that its a sub.

Welpe Wed May 06, 2009 05:02pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chess Ref (Post 600065)
Had a double flipper a couple of weekends ago. First time I ever had a partner who did the double flip. :cool:

OK stupid question...what the heck is a double flip?

IRISHMAFIA Wed May 06, 2009 06:35pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Welpe (Post 600180)
OK stupid question...what the heck is a double flip?

My guess is that the umpire assigns heads/tails to the teams and whoever wins that flip calls the second flip.

reccer Wed May 06, 2009 06:41pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Welpe (Post 600180)
OK stupid question...what the heck is a double flip?

First, Blue has to show us his great-grandfather's 1890 era Spanish gold coin, This side is heads, this side is tails. Who wants to call it? Coaches waste 10 secs hemming and hawing you can call it. No, you're younger, you call it. No, you're from out of town, you call it. Finally that is settled.

The winner of the first flip earns the right to call heads/tails on the second flip to decide who is home or visitor. He wins, and announces he wants to be visitor.

Other Coach says we could have saved a couple of minutes if you would have stated your intention before this double flip.

Just one flip please. Catch it in the air and start the clock.

Welpe Wed May 06, 2009 07:06pm

Thanks for the explanation.

Flipping to decide....who gets the call the flip? OK that sounds more than just a little goofy.

MichaelVA2000 Wed May 06, 2009 07:25pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Welpe (Post 600196)
Thanks for the explanation.

Flipping to decide....who gets the call the flip? OK that sounds more than just a little goofy.

I couldn't agree more.

The things that must be done to humor associations and UIC's seems to get longer every year.:rolleyes:

ASA/NYSSOBLUE Wed May 06, 2009 08:31pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by reccer (Post 600191)
First, Blue has to show us his great-grandfather's 1890 era Spanish gold coin, This side is heads, this side is tails.


we have a guy like that in our backyard - uses a 9/11 coin, and goes to great lengths explaining about it - and I bet there is somebody out there who has worked with this guy at a national somewhere...

Me, I use an Eisenhower Dollar - no explaination needed....

I have, however, occasonally used a dollar gaming chip from a certain establishment in Las Vegas :D

Dakota Wed May 06, 2009 09:37pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASA/NYSSOBLUE (Post 600204)
we have a guy like that in our backyard - uses a 9/11 coin, and goes to great lengths explaining about it - and I bet there is somebody out there who has worked with this guy at a national somewhere...

Me, I use an Eisenhower Dollar - no explaination needed....

I have, however, occasonally used a dollar gaming chip from a certain establishment in Las Vegas :D

I use a Canadian Loonie.

Welpe Wed May 06, 2009 11:01pm

I did use an ASA umpire coin that was given to me by a friend during my first tournament. Unfortunately, I seem to have misplaced it somewhere. I think I need to break out my 1923 Peace Dollar.

wadeintothem Wed May 06, 2009 11:38pm

I have a few coins I use - an older ASA coin, a silver dollar, a ISC Fastball coin.. I rotate em and whatever I feel like I use. I have a bunch of others (including one from BuggBob!) that I keep in a little minicollection.

Chess Ref Thu May 07, 2009 06:15am

Quote:

Originally Posted by wadeintothem (Post 600228)
I have a few coins I use - an older ASA coin, a silver dollar, a ISC Fastball coin.. I rotate em and whatever I feel like I use. I have a bunch of others (including one from BuggBob!) that I keep in a little minicollection.

Kennedy half dollar. My pops loved JFK. :cool:

CecilOne Thu May 07, 2009 06:52am

Whatever coin I have in my pocket. Or, whatever my partner has.

CajunNewBlue Thu May 07, 2009 07:52am

Quote:

Originally Posted by CecilOne (Post 600260)
Whatever coin I have in my pocket. Or, whatever my partner has.

I go with the latter... I usually end up with a extra $2+ at the end of the tournament... if i work it right. :D

HugoTafurst Thu May 07, 2009 08:12am

New Trick (for me)
 
Doing more games wear the home team is know, than "flip decisions" lately, I usually forget the coin all together... So this year I learned a new trick.

I put my indicator behind my back and start spinning the inning wheel, then ask Odd or Even.
When appropriate, my usual smart-a$$ remark is, "No fair counting the clicks".

As I'm typing this, it occurs to me that since I have a notched wheel, I could probably exercise some game management and control who the home team is!!! - :D:D

But I wouldn't..

Skahtboi Thu May 07, 2009 08:26am

I use one of many association flipping coins I have, since my old faithful was stolen a couple of years ago.

IRISHMAFIA Thu May 07, 2009 09:25am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dakota (Post 600211)
I use a Canadian Loonie.

Really? Doesn't it hurt when he lands?

Dakota Thu May 07, 2009 09:42am

Quote:

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA (Post 600294)
Really? Doesn't it hurt when he lands?

No, but it does confuse people when he tries to say AFLAC. ;)

IRISHMAFIA Thu May 07, 2009 10:19am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dakota (Post 600211)
I use a Canadian Loonie.

For our friends to the North:

How did you get him out of Ottawa?

MichaelVA2000 Thu May 07, 2009 02:49pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA (Post 600317)
For our friends to the North:

How did you get him out of Ottawa?

Rude Lube and a Crowbar!


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