Majors/AAA UMPIRE GAME-TIME SCHEDULE

Majors/AAA 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 Plate umps suit up in protective gear (managers unlock sheds) Discuss ump duties with each other Meet scorekeepers, discuss key points 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 & slot) 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 For every timeout granted, ask the scorekeeper to note it Clean off plate, hold (don’t throw) mask with left hand 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 Count 8 pitches or 1 minute for pitcher warm-up Confirm warm-up catcher is teammate with mask & 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 Stand together at home plate & await handshakes from players/coaches Plate umps clean mask and store all protective gear in storage bins 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 (brim forward), sports shoes (no cleats), cup Pack & bring: Indicator, brush (plate umps), water, warm clothes Plate Ump Gear: Wear mask, shin guards and high chest protector and always clean and restore neatly in bins in shed (mgrs lock/unlock shed) NOTE: Always wear an extra shirt under the chest protector, and if it is cold, wear a navy or black sweatshirt underneath the Umpire T-Shirt Plate Umpire – Duties Always the umpire-in-chief – but cannot overrule any other ump’s call Call all foul/fair balls except hit past 1st base and Field Ump in A pos Call ALL fly balls as catch/out or no catch Make all calls at home plate including interference and obstruction Balls and strikes, batted ball touched by batter or bat Request help from other umps or help if requested Field Umpire – Duties Position yourself in positions A(bases empty), B (R on 1st), or C Call foul/fair balls hit past 1st base in A position only Make all calls at all 3 bases from all 3 positions: force, tags, pickoffs Watch for tagging up on caught fly balls, touching bases, leaving early Home Run, Ground Rule Double, field interference and obstruction Check swing calls if requested by Home Plate ump Request help from other umps or help if requested Pre-Game Meeting – VERY IMPORTANT, do before every game Home plate ump is umpire-in-chief and 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 · Just 1 minute or 8 pitches between innings (from previous 3^rd out) · Warm up pitcher with any teammate with mask & throat protector · Adults and umpires may not warm up pitchers · Get catchers ready ASAP and help them suit up · No on-deck circle, i.e., no swinging the bat before up · AAA/Majors: 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