Umpire Duties & Responsibilities

Before Game Day First Responsibility –CONTACT YOUR PARTNER At least 3 days before the game If LESS than 72 hours before game time, call immediately

Before Game Day Uniforms and Equipment in order –Uniforms –Shoes –Ball bags –All gear loaded up Uniforms Plate/Base gear Cold weather/Rain gear Etc.

Game Day Inclement Weather –If you haven’t received a call that the game is cancelled GO Be EARLY –On-site, ready for pre-game w/ partner Varsity –1 hour before game time All Others –30 minutes

Game Day On ARRIVAL at the field –Contact the HEAD COACH of EACH team –Check the field –Be ready to take the plate and start/call the game by yourself if your partner is late or cannot get there –Get the game started ON TIME……….The game NEVER WAITS on the UMPIRES !!

Pay Card & W-9

Umpire Jurisdiction Umpire Jurisdiction begins when you and your partner walk on the field, in uniform, ready for the game Certain rules need to be enforced BEFORE the game begins –Warming up pitcher in crouched position –Team interaction during infield practice –Use of Tobacco

Pre-Game Checks and Rule Enforcement NFHS Umpire Requirment –“Bats, helmets and catcher masks/helmets must be thoroughly inspected. Illegal batting helmets and catcher’s helmets must be brought to the attention of the coach and should be stored so that they will not be used during the game”

Pre-Game Checks and Rule Enforcement Bats –Non-Wood –Wood

Pre-Game Checks and Rule Enforcement Batting Helmets

Pre-Game Checks and Rule Enforcement Catcher’s Headgear Catcher’s Mask

Pre-Game Checks and Rule Enforcement Baseballs –Obtain at least three baseballs –Should have the NFHS Authenticating Mark

NFHS Authenticating Marks

Pre-Game Checks and Rule Enforcement Identify and Meet with the GAME ADMINISTRATOR –Varsity - REQUIRED That person must be a coach (other than one involved in the game), teacher, or administrator –Sub-varsity - RECOMMENDED

Pre-Game Checks and Rule Enforcement Game Administrator Duties –Before the game meet with the officials prior to game Location –During the game assist the officials if needed –After the game check regarding any any misconduct that needs to be reported offer to provide an escort for the officials to their cars report incidents to the appropriate school administrator (home team or visitor) report severe verbal abuse or physical contact of the official and any ejections of coaches and fans to the UIL office in writing

Pre-Game Conference (Plate Conference) Conference should be held 5 minutes before Game Time No players should be on the field during this conference

Pre-Game Conference (Plate Conference)

Introductions Lineup cards Players properly equipped? Jewelry “official” scorebook Ground Rules Points of Emphasis –Stress Sportsmanship –Rules changes (early in the season) Questions from coaches PLAY BALL

Time Line – Before the Game 25 minutes before game time –Infield practice starts 15 minutes before game time –Check all equipment for both teams –Obtain baseballs and get them ready for play 10 minutes before game –Meet with Game Administrator 5 minutes before game –Pre-Game Conference 2 minutes before game time –Starting team takes the field and pitcher warms up START GAME ON TIME -----The game NEVER WAITS on the UMPIRES !!

During the Game Lineup Cards (UIC must record/keep up with) –Substitutions –Conferences –DH –Courtesy Runners –Warning and Ejections

During the Game Some Tricks for Keeping Lineup Cards –List teams as being on your right or left –Keep track of who the catcher/pitcher are by number (and name for catcher)

During the Game Develop a “shorthand” notation system –Courtesy Runners 24 CR-C …….. 33 CR-P –Conferences (make sure to denote whether the conference is charged or not) D 3/14 O 4/12 –Substitutions 22/19 25/38 Smith

After the Game Things NOT to do Don’t Abandon your Partner Write any required reports

After the Game UIL (CCR Section 4(C)) –Officials MUST report all Ejections of coaches Verbal Abuse toward the umpire Physical Abuse/Contact of umpire Major Disruptions

After the Game –Game Administrator to be notified the night of the game –Notify CHAPTER SECRETARY ASAP !! –Written reports to UIL within 2 working days

After the Game TAPPS –Same as UIL, except Reports go to TAPPS SPC –????

Questions ???