Pre-Game
Quiz 1
All of the 9 discussions/actions below have been gleamed from pre-game conferences that I have had in the past several years.
Which ones are:
(A) Required to be discussed or done
(B) Could be discussed if a coach raises the issue or the umpires feels it will be good to discuss (preventative umpiring)
(C) Should be avoided and not discussed
1. A brief statement on good sportsmanship.
CallThis is required: 4-1-3a.
2. A coach wants to know what your strike zone is.
CallIn my opinion, any attempt to define your strike zone during the pre-game will likely generate questions during the game (as early as the first pitch!)
3. What are the time limits on this game?
CallWhile this is not required, it could go in the category of "preventative umpiring" so that there are not issues as the time limit approaches.
4. Questions on calls from the last time you umpired one of these coach's games.
CallThis is certainly not an area to discuss. In fact, you could eject the coach, but I would recommend a stern warning to the coach. If he persists, then eject. I actually got in trouble from my umpire boss for NOT ejecting when this happened.
5. A review and exchange of each of the coach's lineups.
6. Questions on hypothetical game situations or a second opinion on a call.
CallThis is to be avoided. The coach may be trying to "learn" from you, but the coach may also be trying to build a case against another umpire.
7. Questioning both coaches to determine if all their players are properly equipped.
CallThis is required: 4-1-3b.
8. A coach wants to know how closely you are going to enforce the balk rules.
CallIn my opinion, any attempt to define your balk tolerance during the pre-game will likely generate questions during the game.
9. Someone at the plate conference wants your opinion about an attractive mom in the stands.
Call(C) Yikes, this is a job, after all.
Quiz 2
Here are 8 more.
Which ones are:
(A) Required to be discussed or done
(B) Could be discussed if a coach raises the issue or the umpires feels it will be good to discuss (preventative umpiring)
(C) Should be avoided and not discussed
10. Discussion about the use of the double first base safety base.
11. Questioning both coaches to determine if all their equipment is legal.
CallA - required to be discussed
12. Review of the field ground rules.
CallA - required to be discussed
13. A question of how much umpiring experience you or you partner has.
CallC - should NOT be discussed
14. A coach has questions on pitching limitations.
CallC - should NOT be discussed
15. A coach asks your opinion about another team in the league.
CallC - should NOT be discussed
16. A coach asks about tournament-specific rules like time limits or mercy rules.
17. A team captain joins you at the plate conference and he is wearing an earring.
CallA - required to be discussed