Training Articles
WHAZZAPLATEMEETIN?
A brief introduction by the umpiring crew to the team coaches no less than 5 minutes before the first pitch.
- Exchanging of lineup cards
- Verification of responsibilities
- Reviewing ground rules
- An admonition of sportsmanship
Plate Conference Key Points
- Your 3rd opportunity to establish credibility
- Conducted by the Plate Umpire
- Verifies with whom you will manage the game
- Confirms responsibility for player uniforms, equipment, and conduct
- Confirms the Head Coach role in sportsmanship for players, staff, fans
- Start on time! No later than 5 mins before first pitch!
Stay in a set sequence
- Introduce yourself and partner
- Verify the visiting home and coach identity
- Verify name and location of game aministrator
- “ARE ALL OF YOUR PLAYERS LEGALLY AND PROPERLY EQUIPPED?”
- Review ground rules
- Communicate expectation of good sportsmanship
- Ask your base partner…”Did I forget anything?”
The base umpire can screw it all up!
- Unless the plate umpire forgets the ground rules… SAY NOTHING!!!
- Make no attempt to suggest something be covered… SAY NOTHING!!!
- Save any suggeestions or critique until the post-game chat in the parking lot!!