Plate Conference

[IRISHMAFIA]

Remember, you asked

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

Starting tourney season, with teams from divergent leagues finally coming together to play real softball. Here's my plate:

Speaking ASA

1. Accept lineups, ensure P and C are marked and subs labelled appropriately.
2. "Coach, I see your P is #8 and C is #4, and you've listed 3 subs. Are you comfortable with this lineup?" (Repeat with other coach).

Care more about DP/Flex and subs, while nice, will not draw much attention from me.

I hand the line-up card back to the coach for confirmation. That way there is no question has to what was "said" in case there is an issue later in the game.

3. "Coach, are your girls properly equipped, and have they removed all jewelry?" (Get both to say yes independently)

Coach's declaration irrelevant. I'll have jewelry removed if I deem it dangerous.

4. "OK, we've got X time limit, Y run limit, mercy rule of 10,8,6 (or whatever) after 3, 4, and 5. I'd like to remind you (whatever the league wants reminded, and...) you've got 1 minute between half innings.

May mention time limit, not mercy unless it is different from the book norm, otherwise, I'm not giving a clinic.

5. If 10U, mention any age-specific rules. If any league/tourney/ground rules, mention those as well as any oddities on the field (That gate over their doesn't close all the way, here's how we're handling that).
6. Do either of you have any questions?
7. Partner, do you have anything? (We've usually talked about this before - he may ask 1 or 2 of the above questions)
7. We're on the clock, send 'em out.

Well, unless local rules are different, the clock does not start until the first pitch. I would like it to start at the end of this meeting, but that change just didn't fly.

"Coaches, let me start right here. This is your warning. If I hear any crap from anyone you're gone. If you have a question call time and ask the umpire that made the call, but keep it short. You're in charge of your parents, if I hear any crap from any of them, you're gone. Now, play ball."

An umpire who makes this type of comment deserves whatever problems they get.