Ground Rules/Pre-Game Coaches' Conference

[EsqUmp]

Pretend you are teaching a new umpire what topics should be covered in the ground rules/pre-game coaches' conference (the term varies based on location). What exact will you instruct him/her to address? How long should it last? Who should do the talking?

[RKBUmp]

Plate umpire leads the pregame conference.
Call the coaches in and introduce both yourself and your partner to both coaches.
In AZ we are required to cover the Victory with Honor program, basically good sportsmanship.
Ask home coach for lineup, review it, ask that if any changes need to be made and accept it.
Ask visiting coach for lineup, review, ask if any changes and accept.
Ask home coach about any particular ground rules they have for the field or any problems with field everyone should be aware of.
Go over any other information, run rules, time limits etc that may apply to the game.
Ask coaches if they have any questions.
Ask partner if they have anything to add.
Play ball.

[IRISHMAFIA]

• Plate umpire leads the pregame conference.
• Call the coaches in and introduce both yourself and your partner to both coaches.
• Ask home coach for lineup, review it, ask that if any changes need to be made and accept it.
• Ask visiting coach for lineup, review, ask if any changes and accept.
• Cover grounds rules.
• Cover any special rules for that particular tournament/series
• Ask coaches if they have any questions.
• Ask partner if they have anything to add.
• Flip coin, if necessary
• Instruct home coach to direct his team to the field

[BretMan]

What Irish said...except...

If a coin flip is necessary, I insert that right after introductions. Otherwise, how do you know which team is the home team so you can take their line-up first?

The only other thing I'll add, if necessary, is the mandatory "are all of your players properly equipped" question for each coach in an NFHS game. I'll do that right after ground rules/special rules.

And, if I was teaching this to a new umpire, the first step would be to show them the proper places to stand while conducting the conference (plate umpire at point of plate, etc.).

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by BretMan

What Irish said...except...

If a coin flip is necessary, I insert that right after introductions. Otherwise, how do you know which team is the home team so you can take their line-up first?

I wouldn't do that on a bet. Once you flip the coin, you lose their attention. And really, does it make a difference which line-up you accept in what order?

The only other thing I'll add, if necessary, is the mandatory "are all of your players properly equipped" question for each coach in an NFHS game. I'll do that right after ground rules/special rules.

Yep, and NFHS is about the only place it has any value.

And, if I was teaching this to a new umpire, the first step would be to show them the proper places to stand while conducting the conference (plate umpire at point of plate, etc.).

You mean you just don't meander around waving to your friends and talking to the spectators?

[DeputyUICHousto]

You never start the pre-game without your partner...unless he is arriving late and you're starting without him. If he's in the can you wait!!!!

[IRISHMAFIA]

Few more things.

I would switch two items in the order above. I would give any special rules prior to the ground rules.

Know what you are going to say before you start. Go over the ground rules with authority, dont be wish-washy.

Do not stop once you start. It is possible you will answer their question before you finish.

When you ask the coaches if there are any questions, give them time to respond. Look directly at each team coach/rep to acknowledge there are no questions. This could be a pivotal point in the pre-game especially if either of the teams are not familiar with the field. It is better they understand the ground rules up front and had the opportunity to address any clarifications before the game starts instead of when there is a dead ball or awarded bases that they may not understand.

[BretMan]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

And really, does it make a difference which line-up you accept in what order?

Then why make a sequential list that says to take the home team line-up first and the visitor's second, or to even differentiate between "home" or "visitor" at all in relation to taking the line-ups?