Game Mangement
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Game Management
GOOD GAME MANAGEMENT IS NECESSARY FOR YOUR CALLS TO BE ACCEPTABLE, AND STARTS WHEN YOU RECEIVE YOUR GAME ASSIGNMENT!!
I. PRE-GAME DAY
A. Contact partner(s) to confirm date-time-place and uniform!!
Reconfirm the day before or day of game.
B. Also decide who will work plate, and where you will park and what time you will arrive. (Can we ride together?)
C. Remember no alcohol on game day. Make a special effort to avoid after shave lotion that can be mistaken for alcohol.
II. GAME SITE
FOR YOUR JUDGEMENT TO BE ACCEPTABLE, YOUR APPEARANCE MUST BE ACCEPTABLE!!
Your appearance is your first impression.
Make it acceptable!!
Polished shoes (All black-No white showing)
Ironed shirt/Pants
Black socks
Black belt/Creased hat
FOR YOUR JUDGEMENT TO BE ACCEPTABLE, YOUR POSITION MUST BE ACCEPTABLE!!
Pre-Game conference with your partner(s) is a must (Usually done while dressing)
May vary according to your experience together.
Should at least discuss the following:
Rule Changes
Previous Problems (Personal & Association)
Previous Problems (Team & Coach)
Fair/Foul
Rotations-Plate to 3rd/Timing plays
Bunts
Run Downs
Catch/No Catch
Tag Ups---Check Swings
Balks
FOR YOUR FAIRNESS TO BE ACCEPTABLE, YOUR PROFESSIONALISM MUST BE ACCEPTABLE!!
On-Field Pre-Home plate meeting Responsibilities:
Must enter the field no later than 15 minutes before game time.
Must walk the field looking for holes and obstructive situations
Must check bats and helmets- If any illegal item is found you must bring it to the attention of a coach (not player). Have it removed from the dugout if possible.
Best to enter from the visitors’ side when possible. You can speak to the visiting coach, find where his scorekeeper will be located, and check his equipment. Then make your way to the home team. Where you will speak to the coach, locate his scorekeeper, and check equipment. But you must also secure the game balls, and find out where to get new balls when needed. Sometimes you must also do some rubbing. Move to a more neutral location to do this if possible. Try to spend equal time visiting with each coach.
In order to get game started on time you may need to help move things along.
Home plate meeting should begin at 5 minutes prior to game time.
All players must be in their respective dugout.
Both head coaches must attend. Other coaches and/or team captains may attend.
Each head coach must declare his players to be legally equipped.
Accept line-up cards from home team followed by visiting team.
Inspect cards for accuracy-Confirm and circle DH
Explain that you want substitutes as number-for-number by line-up position.
Make mention of sportsmanship and have home team coach explain ground rules.
Ground rules must be legal and understandable by everyone. Especially you!!
Stay away from previous game situations and questions.
FOR YOUR PROFESSIONALISM TO BE ACCEPTABLE, YOUR ATTITUDE MUST BE ACCEPTABLE!!
III. THE GAME
Look at a few pitches behind the catcher. Look up his name on lineup card and remember it! (He is the only player you may refer to by name).
Explain the 5 pitch and throw-it-down procedure to your catcher.
Use 2 pitch and throw-it down if someone else warms up pitcher.
Keep plate clean, but don’t delay game/Get new supply of balls between innings.
Make sure you get accurate substitute information, but don’t delay game.
Be sure you signal “ball in play” after every dead ball with runners on base.
When ball is fouled behind you- Look at the catcher (not the ball).
Use the proper voice on foul balls as well as safe/out calls.
Don’t socialize with your partner between innings. Stay away unless necessary.
Never get together after a controversial play or any type of confrontation.
Base umpire(s) should jog to their respective outfield positions.
Plate umpire goes to the side of the team taking the field, keeping in mind any possible re-entry that needs to be addressed. (Ask !!)
IV. CONFLICTS
FOR CONFLICTS TO NOT DESTROY A GOOD GAME, THE WHOLE CREW MUST PARTICIPATE
Conflicts with players:
There are no on-going conflicts with a player. If a player has something non-threatening to say about a call---very quietly tell him that you won’t listen to that from him. No threat—Just fact!! If he says anything in return---He goes!!!!!! If what he said to begin was inappropriate words or tone----He goes!!!!! If he goes, point him off the field, and immediately look for his head coach. It is the coach’s responsibility to remove him, not ours!! (Don’t touch!!!)
Conflicts with coaches
Never meet a coach half way. If he has a complaint—he must come to us!!
Never anticipate what the coach may say----LISTEN!!---you may be surprised.
Respond with your brief explanation. Soft tone. The louder the coach gets the softer you get. Ask him to talk to you and you will answer his question.
Tell him, if he came out to yell at you, he can go back where he came from.
If he then talks to you LISTEN!! EXPLAIN!! (Remember if it’s a judgment call, start your explanation with “In my judgment…” and keep it brief.) Then SAY “NOW LET’S PLAY” and WALK AWAY!! Hopefully, your partner will help out at this point. In order for the explanation to turn into a conflict the coach must follow or chase you. If he persists, turn, and tell him----That’s enough coach, I don’t want to hear any more! This game will continue with or without you, now LET’S PLAY!! Then walk away again.
Conflicts with coaches/off umpires
Try to be close enough to hear the conversation but not so close that you become involved in the conversation. Keep the conflict one-on-one!!! Don’t let any other coach or player come out to argue. Listen carefully for your cue to step in.
Always step in when:
• The conflict becomes an argument
• The explanation becomes repetitive
• The coach gets personal
• Your partner says “That’s enough coach”
• Your partner ejects the coach
Conflicts that become DQ
Announce “You’re gone” and point
No further verbiage is necessary
The coach can only tell you who is in charge of his team. Nothing else the DQ coach says is to be responded to.
Don’t be overly excited or aggressive----Maintain your composure and poise!!
Once you DQ the coach-------Leave the area!!!!!
The off-umpire should take over finding his replacement and seeing to it that he leaves the vicinity of the field.
The quicker you can get the next pitch, the better-----But, NOT UNTIL THE COACH IS OUT OF SIGHT!!!
Conflicts with fans
First of all you must ignore all fan remarks when possible. When this becomes impossible, go to the head coach of the home team and ask him to get his game manager or security to take care of the situation. DO NOT confront the fan on your own. We don’t DQ fans----Security does that!!!!
POST-GAME PROCEDURES
All umpires leave the field together. Do not go talk to a coach, unless in passing.
As a crew---Don’t Linger----Don’t Avoid---and Don’t Stop Walking!!!!!!
BE ESPECIALLY MINDFUL OF YOUR CONVERSATION WITH THE CREW. IF ANYONE WALKS BY, THE CONVERSATION STOPS IMMEDIATLEY!!
IF A CREW MEMBER HAS A LOUD VOICE, THE CREW MUST REMIND HIM THAT HE IS BEING HEARD!!! NO OUTSIDE PARTY SHOULD HEAR ANY REMARKS MADE BY ANY CREW MEMBER BEFORE OR AFTER A GAME!!!!!
GOOD GAME MANAGEMENT IS NECESSARY FOR YOUR CALLS TO BE ACCEPTABLE, AND STARTS WHEN YOU RECEIVE YOUR GAME ASSIGNMENT!!
I. PRE-GAME DAY
A. Contact partner(s) to confirm date-time-place and uniform!!
Reconfirm the day before or day of game.
B. Also decide who will work plate, and where you will park and what time you will arrive. (Can we ride together?)
C. Remember no alcohol on game day. Make a special effort to avoid after shave lotion that can be mistaken for alcohol.
II. GAME SITE
FOR YOUR JUDGEMENT TO BE ACCEPTABLE, YOUR APPEARANCE MUST BE ACCEPTABLE!!
Your appearance is your first impression.
Make it acceptable!!
Polished shoes (All black-No white showing)
Ironed shirt/Pants
Black socks
Black belt/Creased hat
FOR YOUR JUDGEMENT TO BE ACCEPTABLE, YOUR POSITION MUST BE ACCEPTABLE!!
Pre-Game conference with your partner(s) is a must (Usually done while dressing)
May vary according to your experience together.
Should at least discuss the following:
Rule Changes
Previous Problems (Personal & Association)
Previous Problems (Team & Coach)
Fair/Foul
Rotations-Plate to 3rd/Timing plays
Bunts
Run Downs
Catch/No Catch
Tag Ups---Check Swings
Balks
FOR YOUR FAIRNESS TO BE ACCEPTABLE, YOUR PROFESSIONALISM MUST BE ACCEPTABLE!!
On-Field Pre-Home plate meeting Responsibilities:
Must enter the field no later than 15 minutes before game time.
Must walk the field looking for holes and obstructive situations
Must check bats and helmets- If any illegal item is found you must bring it to the attention of a coach (not player). Have it removed from the dugout if possible.
Best to enter from the visitors’ side when possible. You can speak to the visiting coach, find where his scorekeeper will be located, and check his equipment. Then make your way to the home team. Where you will speak to the coach, locate his scorekeeper, and check equipment. But you must also secure the game balls, and find out where to get new balls when needed. Sometimes you must also do some rubbing. Move to a more neutral location to do this if possible. Try to spend equal time visiting with each coach.
In order to get game started on time you may need to help move things along.
Home plate meeting should begin at 5 minutes prior to game time.
All players must be in their respective dugout.
Both head coaches must attend. Other coaches and/or team captains may attend.
Each head coach must declare his players to be legally equipped.
Accept line-up cards from home team followed by visiting team.
Inspect cards for accuracy-Confirm and circle DH
Explain that you want substitutes as number-for-number by line-up position.
Make mention of sportsmanship and have home team coach explain ground rules.
Ground rules must be legal and understandable by everyone. Especially you!!
Stay away from previous game situations and questions.
FOR YOUR PROFESSIONALISM TO BE ACCEPTABLE, YOUR ATTITUDE MUST BE ACCEPTABLE!!
III. THE GAME
Look at a few pitches behind the catcher. Look up his name on lineup card and remember it! (He is the only player you may refer to by name).
Explain the 5 pitch and throw-it-down procedure to your catcher.
Use 2 pitch and throw-it down if someone else warms up pitcher.
Keep plate clean, but don’t delay game/Get new supply of balls between innings.
Make sure you get accurate substitute information, but don’t delay game.
Be sure you signal “ball in play” after every dead ball with runners on base.
When ball is fouled behind you- Look at the catcher (not the ball).
Use the proper voice on foul balls as well as safe/out calls.
Don’t socialize with your partner between innings. Stay away unless necessary.
Never get together after a controversial play or any type of confrontation.
Base umpire(s) should jog to their respective outfield positions.
Plate umpire goes to the side of the team taking the field, keeping in mind any possible re-entry that needs to be addressed. (Ask !!)
IV. CONFLICTS
FOR CONFLICTS TO NOT DESTROY A GOOD GAME, THE WHOLE CREW MUST PARTICIPATE
Conflicts with players:
There are no on-going conflicts with a player. If a player has something non-threatening to say about a call---very quietly tell him that you won’t listen to that from him. No threat—Just fact!! If he says anything in return---He goes!!!!!! If what he said to begin was inappropriate words or tone----He goes!!!!! If he goes, point him off the field, and immediately look for his head coach. It is the coach’s responsibility to remove him, not ours!! (Don’t touch!!!)
Conflicts with coaches
Never meet a coach half way. If he has a complaint—he must come to us!!
Never anticipate what the coach may say----LISTEN!!---you may be surprised.
Respond with your brief explanation. Soft tone. The louder the coach gets the softer you get. Ask him to talk to you and you will answer his question.
Tell him, if he came out to yell at you, he can go back where he came from.
If he then talks to you LISTEN!! EXPLAIN!! (Remember if it’s a judgment call, start your explanation with “In my judgment…” and keep it brief.) Then SAY “NOW LET’S PLAY” and WALK AWAY!! Hopefully, your partner will help out at this point. In order for the explanation to turn into a conflict the coach must follow or chase you. If he persists, turn, and tell him----That’s enough coach, I don’t want to hear any more! This game will continue with or without you, now LET’S PLAY!! Then walk away again.
Conflicts with coaches/off umpires
Try to be close enough to hear the conversation but not so close that you become involved in the conversation. Keep the conflict one-on-one!!! Don’t let any other coach or player come out to argue. Listen carefully for your cue to step in.
Always step in when:
• The conflict becomes an argument
• The explanation becomes repetitive
• The coach gets personal
• Your partner says “That’s enough coach”
• Your partner ejects the coach
Conflicts that become DQ
Announce “You’re gone” and point
No further verbiage is necessary
The coach can only tell you who is in charge of his team. Nothing else the DQ coach says is to be responded to.
Don’t be overly excited or aggressive----Maintain your composure and poise!!
Once you DQ the coach-------Leave the area!!!!!
The off-umpire should take over finding his replacement and seeing to it that he leaves the vicinity of the field.
The quicker you can get the next pitch, the better-----But, NOT UNTIL THE COACH IS OUT OF SIGHT!!!
Conflicts with fans
First of all you must ignore all fan remarks when possible. When this becomes impossible, go to the head coach of the home team and ask him to get his game manager or security to take care of the situation. DO NOT confront the fan on your own. We don’t DQ fans----Security does that!!!!
POST-GAME PROCEDURES
All umpires leave the field together. Do not go talk to a coach, unless in passing.
As a crew---Don’t Linger----Don’t Avoid---and Don’t Stop Walking!!!!!!
BE ESPECIALLY MINDFUL OF YOUR CONVERSATION WITH THE CREW. IF ANYONE WALKS BY, THE CONVERSATION STOPS IMMEDIATLEY!!
IF A CREW MEMBER HAS A LOUD VOICE, THE CREW MUST REMIND HIM THAT HE IS BEING HEARD!!! NO OUTSIDE PARTY SHOULD HEAR ANY REMARKS MADE BY ANY CREW MEMBER BEFORE OR AFTER A GAME!!!!!
