Farm/AA UMPIRE GAME-TIME SCHEDULE

Farm/AA UMPIRE GAME-TIME RESPONSIBILITIES

Before going to game Study and re-study the rules and umpire methods and signals Confirm which site, start time, other umps, visitor/home teams Know your umpire position Get to the field 1/2 hour before start time with everything you need 1/2 hour before game Arrive at site: Meet other ump(s) Check field/bases/lines: Problems, dangers, use cones if needed Opt: Meet scorekeepers, discuss key points Discuss ump duties with each other Determine umpire-in-chief Decide who will call ½-way line Decide who will call pitcher’s circle 15 minutes before game Ask visiting team to take infield warm-ups 5 minutes later allow home team infield warm-ups 5 minutes before game Pre-Game meeting: All umps and both managers (only) at home plate Get game balls from home team à Game start time ß Confirm everyone ready: Check fielders, coaches, other ump(s) Ask scorekeepers to write down the actual time, plate ump announce it Plate umpire: “Play!” During innings Always know the situation: Outs, count, runner-bases, live/dead ball Be in correct position before each pitch (A/B/C/D) Anticipate possible/likely plays & problems Signal & talk to each other (e.g. infield fly situation, count, # outs) Hustle to best position as play develops (inside-out, outside-in, angle…) Pause before making a call, make sure defensive player has the ball and to be sure of what you saw, then make a strong and loud signal Clean off plate periodically as needed Handle bad behavior, check for bad weather, suspend game if needed Between innings Meet and discuss any issues/pointers for each other Prevent any bat swinging – never allowed anywhere 1 minute between innings Confirm catcher has mask with throat protector Clean off plate (point your backside always toward pitcher) Start of each new inning Balls in, gates closed, count fielders, batter up Check other umpire(s), base coaches, other coaches Show pitcher “Time” hands until everyone is ready After the game Confirm final results with scorekeepers if any Stand together at home plate & await handshakes from players/coaches Throw away your water bottles or other trash used during the game Leave storage shed to be locked up by teams

Equipment Suit up: Ump shirt and hat, sports shoes (no cleats) Pack & bring: Indicator, home plate brush, water, warm clothes Field Umpire 1 – Duties Work in the positions: A(no runners on 1B) & B(runner on 1B) Call all foul/fair balls on 1st base side Call fly balls on your half of field as catch/out or no catch Watch for tagging up for fly balls to the other half Make all calls at 1B and 2B: force, tags, pickoffs Watch 1B & 2B for missed base, leaving early Batter’s pitch count, batted ball touched by batter or bat Per pre-game ump meeting: ½-way lines and pitcher’s circle Request help from other umps or help if requested Field Umpire 2 – Duties Work in the positions: C(no runner on 3B) & D(runner on 3B) Call all foul/fair balls on 3rd base side Call fly balls on your half of field as catch/out or no catch Watch for tagging up for fly balls to the other half Make all calls at 3B and Home: force, tags, pickoffs Watch 3B for missed base, leaving early Home Run, Ground Rule Double Check swing calls if requested by Home Plate ump Per pre-game ump meeting: ½-way lines and pitcher’s circle Request help from other umps or help if requested Pre-Game Meeting – VERY IMPORTANT, do before every game Umpire-in-chief runs the meeting Introduce yourself to everyone else, shake hands politely/professionally Give instructions to managers: · Ask: Are your players properly equipped and protected? · No arguing judgment calls and no coaches signaling or making calls · Stay in dugout and coaches box until Time Out is granted by umpire · Keep dugout doors closed · Start next inning promptly (from previous 3^rd out) · Get catchers ready ASAP and help them suit up · No on-deck circle, no swinging the bat before up · Maximum 3 adults in dugout (1 mgr + 2 coaches) Also explain any special lines, cones, conditions for this game PIE: Positive, Instructional, Encouraging Bad Behavior and Dangerous Situations Give warnings to any rude or unsporting coaches, players, fans Eject severe and repeat offenders; must leave entire area Report all behavior problems to Chief Umpire same day as game Automatic ejections: Fighting, or endangering safety of anyone else Stop play whenever a player is seriously injured NOTE: If you eject a manager, coach or player, a written report MUST be given (via e-mail) to the Chief Umpire (Wayne) within 24 hours The Bottom Line Smile, relax, and have fun helping these young athletes play baseball