1) Show up early. You need to be dressed and ready for a pre-game meeting at least 10 minutes before game time. Some of you run the risk of traffic issues, trouble with parking or mass transit issues. Compensate for those and leave your house early enough to guarantee that the teams will NOT be waiting for you.
2) Dress appropriately. This includes OUR shirt, our hat and heather grey pants. Wear a ball bag so that the spare baseballs are not loose or stuffed into your pocket.
3) Review the rules in advance. For days you’ve known what divisions you’re working. Look over those rules ahead of time. Go over the rules that are specific to the level of game you are working with the coaches at the pre-game plate meeting.
4) Keep the game moving. Games start and end with the clock. If coaches are having trouble setting up the field, lend a hand. Remind teams to have someone to warm up the pitcher. Stay with younger catchers with a spare baseball ready in case they miss the warm-up pitch (which you can then retrieve for them).
5) Base umpires should wait in right field in between innings. If there is something important and game related that you must discuss with your partner then do so. This does not include small talk. When the game is over, discuss any odd happenings or blown coverage with your partner. If you are working alone and need to know if you did something right or wrong, find one of the senior umpires and ask. They’ll be glad to clarify any rule or mechanical questions that arise.
6) Stay off your phone!!!!!! The coaches want to have confidence that you want to be at the game, that you want to work the game and that for the whole two hours your attention will be on the game. They work hard so we have to work hard too.
7) Most importantly, keep an eye out for safety issues. There should be no equipment lying in foul territory, there should be no spectators on live ball territory. There can be no teams warming up in another game’s outfield. Make sure the batter is ready for a pitch. Make sure the catcher’s equipment is on properly etc…
8) Be very clear as to when time is in and when it is out. Point and say, “Play,” every time you make the ball live. Good habits take you a long way in this game.
9) Dress appropriately for the weather. It will be cold in the spring and hot as we approach summer. Bring a change of undershirt if you have many games. Your equipment makes hot weather a challenge. Sunscreen can save your life. Use it.
10) If you have many games, bring some food with you. A hungry umpire is a grumpy umpire and no one needs that.
11) Even when the game is a blow-out, treat it and the players and coaches with respect. It takes 1,000 days to make a baseball player. The people who are starting the journey today need and deserve our support. Give even the weakest teams your best.