PREGAME RESPONSIBILITIES

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PREGAME RESPONSIBILITIES
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PREGAME RESPONSIBILITIES

• 1) Arrive at the field at least 45 minutes prior
  to game time
• 2) Notify the coaches and administrator you are
  there
• 3)Review with your partner any rules or
  responsibility concerns
• 4) Walk the outfield with your partner
• 5) Check equipment of both teams (includes
  softballs)
• 6) Pre-game conference

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Punctuality It is important to arrive at least
45 minutes prior to game time to ensure you are
prepared to be the best you can be and conduct
your responsibilities in a timely fashion.
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Notification Coaches depend on umpires to be
timely and it is their responsibility to ensure
they have officials for their games. It is one
less worry for them if they know you are
prompt. This is a good time to ask the host
coach if they will have introduction of players,
National Anthem or other pregame ceremonies
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Overview with your partner Not all umpires are
alike nor are all ball fields. Make sure to go
over any concerns regarding dead-ball area
coverage, proper tag-up responsibilities, check
swings, communication signals (roll the count)
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Field Conditions (Walking the field) Upon
entering the field, begin looking at the fence
line to determine if there are any openings which
the ball could squirt under/through or
between. Note if there are any holes, puddle
water, or other safety hazards. Look for cement
steps/ledges opening in the dugout
areas Obstructions in foul territory area (field
tarps) Discuss with your partner(s) how you will
rule each of these and ask the host coach how
they are normally ruled
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Equipment Checks Rule 1.5-7

• Request that all bats and hats be placed
  outside the dugout for inspection
• Pick up each bat and check the following
• No exposed rivets, pins, rough or sharp edges
  that would present a hazard
• Shake the bat no rattles
• Be free of dents, cracks and burrs (run your hand
  over the barrel)
• Must bear the 2000 or 2004 certification mark
  (2000 circle/2004diamond shape)
• The safety grip must be of cork, tape (not
  plastic)or composition material and extend a
  minimum of 10 and not more than 15 from the
  small end of the bat
• Wooden bat barrels are permitted and no
  certification mark required however not to exceed
  2 ¼ in diameter.
• The end cap is made of rubber, vinyl, plastic or
  other approved material and be firmly secured and
  permanently affixed to the end of the bat so it
  cant be removed by anyone other than the
  manufacturer without damaging or destroying the
  bat.

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Hats including catchers helmet

• Each helmet must have the NOCSAE seal permanently
  affixed to the outside of the helmet.
• National Operating Committee on Standards in
  Athletic Equipment

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Hats (aka helmets)

• Must have extended ear flaps and cover both ears
  and temples
• If chin strap is attached it must be worn
  appropriately as it was intended
• Fasteners (screws) should all be tightly affixed
  to hold the face shield in place
• No broken, cracked or dented helmets prohibited
• Catchers helmet must have a throat protector
  that is a part of or attached to the mask and be
  worn to adequately protect the throat.
• Plastic visors, if used, must be clear and
  constructed of molded rigid material. (Eye
  shield)

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PLATE CONFERENCE

• No less than 5 minutes prior to game time call
  the coaches to the plate
• Plate umpire will position themselves behind the
  plate facing the field
• Base umpires will be inside the diamond facing
  home plate on their respective sides of the field
  if in a 3 umpire system. If 2-umpire system the
  base umpire will be directly opposite and facing
  the plate umpire
• Introduce yourself to each coach and you may
  introduce your partner or they may choose to
  introduce themselves (personal preference)
• Ask the head coaches to verify that players are
  legally equipped and the players and equipment
  are in compliance with all NFHS rules (all
  jewelry removed etc)

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PLATE CONFERENCE

• Review ground rules including those that you have
  observed with your partner when walking the
  field. Cover all openings/obstacles and
  dead-ball areas. Ask if there are any questions
• Ask for their line-up cards. Carefully review
  the line-up cards and make note where the DP/Flex
  are in the line-up. (If no DP/Flex there should
  only be 9 players and if used there should be 10)
  Ensure the first initial and last name are on
  the card as well as the players jersey number
  and position. Note the subs. Double check to
  make sure there are no duplicate jersey numbers.
  
• Hand the line-ups back to the respective coach
  and ask them to review it to ensure it is
  accurate. After they return it back to you tell
  them the lineups are now official and any changes
  that take place will be substitutions. Ask if
  either coach wants to make any changes. Remind
  the coaches that all substitutions must be
  reported to you.

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Questions?