Pregame Conference

• Review past year and current year rule changes
• Review umpire-to-umpire signals and the situations where used (i.e. timing plays, infield flies, requests for counts/out, etc.)
• Pre-game duties at the field site
  Equipment checks, home and visitors
  Bats, helmets, catchers’ equipment, NOCSAE seals
• Plays to ask fro help from partner
  Check swings (when real and when courtesy)
  Pulled foot at first
  Bunt/slap hit foul
  Anytime requested by head coach
• Foul – line coverage
• Missed base coverage
• Plate coverage at first on hits to outfield (touch, obstruction, throw-back)
• Review obstruction and interference (with remedies)
• Plate coverage of interference and tag responsibilities between home and first
• Plate umpire has interference call at front end of a double play
• Coverage if base umpire goes on out a fly ball
• Review coverage at bases, and situation where plate umpire always stays at home (winning run at third or second, bases loaded no outs, runners at first and 3rd less then two outs)
• Review tag-up responsibilities / leaving too soon after touch, must appeal
• Leaving too soon before pitch / stop play, no pitch
• Illegal pitches and coach’s options
• Check official’s equipment (indicator, brush, ball bag)
• Review responsibilities after ball is dead, who watches runners once the ball is returned to the circle and when to switch off
• Review base umpire positions and any changes in coverage
• A, B, C, D coverage on pick-offs, steals, throw-backs for second play by defense
• Possible coverage by plate umpire at third, especially on lead runner
• Review pre-game conference with captains and coaches
• Survey field upon arrival for possible ground rule conflicts
• Start pre-game coaches’ conference no less than five (5) minutes prior to game time
• Leave field on winners’ side

Alternative Pregame Routine

NOTE – This is only a GUIDELINE.

CONFIRM THE GAME
If you cannot call a specific game on your schedule contact the assignor as soon as possible, but the sooner the better. It is also a good idea to review your entire schedule and let the scheduler know of any problems. 

PRE-GAME ROUTINE

• Contact your partner at least 2-3 days prior to game day. Confirm what time and specifically where you will meet. 
• Arrive at the ballpark at least 30 minutes before game time. If you cannot be at the ballpark that early be sure and let your partner know. Arrive at the ballpark looking professional and presentable. 
• Once at the ballpark discuss any mechanics issues you feel are necessary. Make sure you and your partner are on the same page. 
• Find the home team coach and inform him/her that you are there and will be ready to start the game on time. Complete your invoice paperwork at that time if you can. Also discuss ground rules for that particular park and specific district rules. Ask about a designated media area. If there is a sub-varsity game, find out if there will be a time limit, run rule, etc. You should also find out who the game administrator is and where he/she will be located during the game.
• Walk the field and make note of any potential problem areas so you can bring them to the attention of the coaches at the pregame conference. 
• Once back at you car, finish getting dressed. Double check that you have all the equipment you need. If you need to, make a checklist and keep it in your bag. Also discuss any last minute details with your partner. Then get loose and stretch before heading to the field. Then arrive back at the field at least 5 minutes prior to game time. 

THE PREGAME CONFERENCE

• The plate umpire conducts the pregame conference. First thing to do is introduce yourself and your partner(s). Remember there should be no players warming up on the infield at this time. NOTE – if you need to work the pregame conference from a list, then use one. That’s better than forgetting something. 
• Accept lineup cards from the coaches. Check to see that the proper number of players are listed, that both first and last names are listed, that there are no duplicate numbers, and that substitutes are listed below the starters. Note whether or not the lineups include a FLEX player and if so she is listed in the 10th spot. If there are any problems get them resolved right then. Once the lineup card is good hand it back to the coach for one last inspection. When you get it back tell the coach it is now official. 
• Ask each coach if their team is properly equipped and ready to play the game according to Federation and UIL rules. 
• Discuss ground rules. Go over anything unique for that particular field. Note the open areas where a ball might go through, including any you noted when you walked the field. Remind them that if a batted ball goes through any of those openings the defensive players should stop and raise her hand and should not try to get the ball. 
• Tell the coaches what the run rule is for this game and inform them of any time limits or district specific rules that are in affect for this game. 
• Tell the coaches you expect good sportsmanship and ask them to leave judgment calls alone.  If they have a problem about a rules interpretation or if they would like one of the umpires to get help on a call then request time out, then when time out is granted, approach the umpire who made the call and tell him/her what you need. 
• Ask the coaches if they have any questions, specifically about the modified obstruction rule. Discuss what you need to.  Ask them to have their girls hustle on and off the field in between innings. Ask the home coach where the administrator is if you need to. 
• Wish both coaches good luck and PLAY BALL!