Plate Conference Procedures

[Manny A]

From the 2010-2011 NFHS Softball Umpires Manual, which I referred to earlier this week to address a question regarding who can attend the plate conference:

Pregame Conference with Head Coaches
1. The Plate Umpire (P) should be positioned behind home plate facing the outfield with each team’s head coaches on each side of home plate. The base umpire(s) (B) will be opposite the plate umpire facing the backstop. Team captains and assistant coaches may also attend the pregame conference.
2. The plate umpire should introduce himself/herself and his/her partner(s) to all in attendance. Have all others introduce themselves to each other.
3. Ask the head coaches to verify that players are legally equipped and that players and equipment are in compliance with all NFHS rules.
4. Review the ground rules. Begin by outlining dead-ball areas then proceed to the home plate, third base dugout / bench area, outfield fence and foul poles, first base dugout / bench area. Cover all openings and obstacles.
NOTE 1: No ground rule can supercede any book rule.
NOTE 2: If coaches cannot agree on a ground rule, then the umpires have the final say.
5. Review the overthrow rule and penalty enforcements.
6. Review the lineup cards. Explain, if necessary, the importance of notifying the plate umpire of substitutes.
NOTE 1: (F.P.) Make sure if there is a DP/FLEX you have 10 players and if no DP/FLEX there are only 9 players. (S.P.) Make sure there are 10 players listed or 11 if using an EP.
NOTE 2: Make sure first and last names are listed for all players, starters and subs.
NOTE 3: Hand the lineup cards back to each coach and ask them to "check it one last time" prior to it becoming the official lineup.
7. Ask if there are any questions on the rules, especially the re-entry, DP/FLEX and EP rule.
8. Ask if everyone is familiar with the ball rotation rule.
9. If a doubleheader, ask how much time will there be between games.
10. Remind the teams that the official book is from the home team and the scorekeepers should verify with each other several times throughout the game. If umpires know that there is an obvious error, they can correct the books.
11. Remind teams that if there are any questions, please only one person, the coach, approach the umpire responsible for the call in a sporting manner.
12. Remind the coaches that you are going to let the coaches coach, the players play and for them to please let the umpires umpire.
13. Review with all in attendance the expectations regarding sporting behavior and wish them all the Best of Luck!
NOTE: The whole time have great presence and a firm voice.

Seriously?