| Before the Game — |
| |
| Meeting at home plate |
| • Introduce plate and base umpires, managers/coaches |
| • Discuss any local playing rules (time limit, playing boundaries, etc.) |
| • Discuss the strike zone |
| • Discuss unsportsmanlike conduct by the players. |
| • Discuss the pitch count rules and who is keeping the count? |
| • Clarify calling the game due to weather or darkness |
| • Inspect playing field for unsafe conditions |
| • Discuss no head-first slides, no on-deck hitter, players warm only up pitchers with head gear on. |
| • 5 game balls from home team 3 to home plate 2 to one base umpire. Home team supplies. |
| • Be sure players are not wearing any jewelry |
| • Be sure players are in uniform (shirts in, hats on) |
| • Inspect equipment for damage and to meet regulations |
| • Ensure that games start promptly or even earlier if managers agree. |
| |
| During the Game — Umpires and Coaches |
| |
| • Encourage coaches to help speed play by having catchers and players on the bench prepared and ready to take the field with two outs. |
| • Make sure catchers are wearing the proper safety equipment |
| • Continually monitor the field for safety and playability |
| • Pitchers warming up in foul territory must have a spotter and catcher with helmet on. |
| • Keep game moving — one minute or eight pitches to warm up the pitcher between innings or mid inning. |
| • Make calls loud and clear, signaling each properly- give count after every pitch. |
| • Umpires should be in position to make the call |
| • No protesting of any judgment calls by the umpire. Ever, zero tolerance. |
| • Managers are responsible for keeping their fans and players on their best behavior. |
| • Encourage everyone to think safety first! |
