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You’ve been assigned a game, and now it’s time to contact your partner and set up an Umpire to Umpire pre-game conference, also known as a pre-game meeting. What exactly is the Umpire to Umpire pre-game conference?
The umpire pre-game conference is essential for ensuring a smooth and successful game. It allows the umpires to discuss and confirm important details and ensure they are on the same page before taking the field.
Contacting Your Partner
You must keep your contact information updated so your partner can contact you easily. If your association uses a scheduling program to assign games, go onto the website at the beginning of the season and verify that your email address and mobile phone number are correct and updated.
The plate umpire is responsible for contacting the base umpire(s) at least a day before the game to confirm everyone is on the same page and to confirm the game site, arrival time, meeting location, and uniforms.
You can contact your partner either by telephone, text, or email. If you leave a voice mail, tell your partner(s) to make sure they contact you to confirm they will be at the game. If this is done via text or email, give your partner(s) courtesy and respond.
If it is game day and you are still waiting to hear from your partner(s), you should reach out to your assigner, and they will give you further instructions.
Arrival at the Game Site
I recommend arriving at the game site at least an hour to 45 minutes before the scheduled starting time but no later than 30 minutes before the game. You need at least 10 or 15 minutes with your partner(s) to review some of the basic things that may happen during the game and how you plan to handle them.
If your partner is late, call them. There may be a problem. If you are running late, contact your partner. Good communication is critical.
It is essential to discuss how you will umpire the game, even if you have worked with each other many times before. The pre-game conference is the most important conference you will have with your partner.
The Checklist
The plate umpire will generally lead the Umpire to Umpire Pre-Game Conference.
Here is a simple checklist to help you ensure key items are discussed during your pre-game meeting.
Of course, some other items may come up in conversation, but this list, which I have used for many years, works great for me. Usually, I go down this list in order so I don’t miss anything.
Umpire Coverage / Responsibilities
- Fair/foul coverage
- Fly Balls
- Line Drives
- Tag ups / Touches
- 3rd Base Coverage
- Positions / Rotations
- Communications
- Signals
- Uncaught 3rd Strike
- Check Swings
- Double Plays
- Obstruction
- Interference
- Sacrifice Situations
- Game Situation
- Inclement Weather
- Calling Time
- Putting the Ball in Play
- Foul Tip / Foul Ball
- Infield Fly Rule
- Awarding Bases
- Pickoffs / Steals
- Balks
- Rundowns
- Ejections – How to handle
I have created an Umpire to Umpire Pre-game Conference Card, which you can download here and keep in your gear bag as a reference.
Team 3
Now that you have discussed everything, it’s time to take the field. Remember, you are the third team on the field. Walk up together as a team and take the field as a team. Communicate as a team and support each other as a team.
