DMSUA.COM

D M S U A
SUGGESTED PREGAME ROUTINE NOTE - This is only a GUIDELINE. CONFIRM THE GAME If you cannot call a specific game on your schedule contact the scheduler as soon as possible. The sooner the better. It is also a good idea to review your entire schedule and let the scheduler know of any problems. You should have already gone into TheArbiter.net and blocked dates you know you cannot call. PRE-GAME ROUTINE - Contact your partner at least 2-3 days prior to game day. Confirm what time and specifically where you will meet. The latest membership roster with contact information is available in TheArbiter.net. Don't wait for your partner to call you - take the initiative and make the call! - Arrive at the ballpark at least 30 minutes before game time. If you cannot be at the ballpark that early be sure and let your partner know. Arrive at the ballpark looking professional and presentable, preferably wearing DMSUA or TASO logo apparal. - Once at the ballpark discuss any mechanics issues you feel are necessary (fly ball coverage, etc.). Make sure you and your partner are on the same page. - Find the home team coach and inform him/her that you are there and will be ready to start the game on time. Complete your invoice paperwork at that time if you can. Also discuss ground rules for that particular park and specific district rules. Ask about a designated media area. If there is a sub-varsity game find out if there will be a time limit, different run rules, etc. Ask if there will be player introductions and the playing of the national anthem, and if there will be you may want to plan on arriving a little earlier. You should also find out who the game administrator is and where he/she will be. - Walk the field and make note of any potential problem areas so you can bring them to the attention of the coaches at the pregame conference. Also check equipment at this time. Be sure you have a bat ring and the banned bat list. NOTE - some umpires prefer to check equipment and walk the field when they arrive for the pregame conference. If so then allow a few more minutes to ensure the game starts on time. - Once back at you car, finish getting dressed. Double check that you have all the equipment you need. If you need to. make a checklist and keep it in your bag. Also discuss any last minute details with your partner. Then get loose and stretch before heading to the field. If you have already checked equipment then arrive back at the field at least 5 minutes prior to game time. If you still need to check equipment or fill out your invoice paperwork then make it at least 15 minutes. THE PREGAME CONFERENCE - The plate umpire conducts the pregame conference. First thing to do is introduce yourself and your partner(s). Remember there should be no players warming up in fair territory at this time. NOTE - if at first you need to work the pregame conference from a list, then use one. Thats better than forgetting something. - Accept lineup cards from the coaches. Check to see that the proper number of players are listed, that both first and last names are listed, that there are no duplicate numbers, and that substitutes are listed below the starters. Note whether or not the lineups inclulde a FLEX player and if so she is listed in the 10th spot. If there are any problems get them resolved right then. Once the lineup card is good hand it back to the coach for one last inspection. When you get it back tell the coach it is now official. - Ask each coach if their team is properly equipped and ready to play the game according to Federation and UIL rules. - Discuss ground rules. Go over anything unique for that particular field. Note the open areas where a ball might go through, including any you noted when you walked the field. - Tell the coaches what the run rule is for this game and inform them of any time limits or district specific rules that are in affect for this game. - Tell the coaches you expect good sportsmanship and ask them to leave judgement calls alone. If they have a problem about a rules interpretation or if they would like one of the umpires to get help on a call then request time out, then when time out is granted, approach the umpire who made the call and tell him/her what you need. - Ask the coaches if they have any questions. Ask them to have their girls hustle on and off the field in between innings. Ask the home coach where the administrator is if you need to. - Wish both coaches good luck and PLAY BALL! NOTE - practice your pregame so you can deliver it as quickly and smoothly as possible.

D M S U A

SUGGESTED PREGAME ROUTINE

NOTE - This is only a GUIDELINE.

CONFIRM THE GAME
If you cannot call a specific game on your schedule contact the scheduler as soon as possible. The sooner the better. It is also a good idea to review your entire schedule and let the scheduler know of any problems. You should have already gone into TheArbiter.net and blocked dates you know you cannot call.

PRE-GAME ROUTINE
- Contact your partner at least 2-3 days prior to game day. Confirm what time and specifically where you will meet. The latest membership roster with contact information is available in TheArbiter.net. Don't wait for your partner to call you - take the initiative and make the call!
- Arrive at the ballpark at least 30 minutes before game time. If you cannot be at the ballpark that early be sure and let your partner know. Arrive at the ballpark looking professional and presentable, preferably wearing DMSUA or TASO logo apparal.
- Once at the ballpark discuss any mechanics issues you feel are necessary (fly ball coverage, etc.). Make sure you and your partner are on the same page.
- Find the home team coach and inform him/her that you are there and will be ready to start the game on time. Complete your invoice paperwork at that time if you can. Also discuss ground rules for that particular park and specific district rules. Ask about a designated media area. If there is a sub-varsity game find out if there will be a time limit, different run rules, etc. Ask if there will be player introductions and the playing of the national anthem, and if there will be you may want to plan on arriving a little earlier. You should also find out who the game administrator is and where he/she will be.
- Walk the field and make note of any potential problem areas so you can bring them to the attention of the coaches at the pregame conference. Also check equipment at this time. Be sure you have a bat ring and the banned bat list. NOTE - some umpires prefer to check equipment and walk the field when they arrive for the pregame conference. If so then allow a few more minutes to ensure the game starts on time.
- Once back at you car, finish getting dressed. Double check that you have all the equipment you need. If you need to. make a checklist and keep it in your bag. Also discuss any last minute details with your partner. Then get loose and stretch before heading to the field. If you have already checked equipment then arrive back at the field at least 5 minutes prior to game time. If you still need to check equipment or fill out your invoice paperwork then make it at least 15 minutes.

THE PREGAME CONFERENCE
- The plate umpire conducts the pregame conference. First thing to do is introduce yourself and your partner(s). Remember there should be no players warming up in fair territory at this time. NOTE - if at first you need to work the pregame conference from a list, then use one. Thats better than forgetting something.
- Accept lineup cards from the coaches. Check to see that the proper number of players are listed, that both first and last names are listed, that there are no duplicate numbers, and that substitutes are listed below the starters. Note whether or not the lineups inclulde a FLEX player and if so she is listed in the 10th spot. If there are any problems get them resolved right then. Once the lineup card is good hand it back to the coach for one last inspection. When you get it back tell the coach it is now official.
- Ask each coach if their team is properly equipped and ready to play the game according to Federation and UIL rules.
- Discuss ground rules. Go over anything unique for that particular field. Note the open areas where a ball might go through, including any you noted when you walked the field.
- Tell the coaches what the run rule is for this game and inform them of any time limits or district specific rules that are in affect for this game.
- Tell the coaches you expect good sportsmanship and ask them to leave judgement calls alone. If they have a problem about a rules interpretation or if they would like one of the umpires to get help on a call then request time out, then when time out is granted, approach the umpire who made the call and tell him/her what you need.
- Ask the coaches if they have any questions. Ask them to have their girls hustle on and off the field in between innings. Ask the home coach where the administrator is if you need to.
- Wish both coaches good luck and PLAY BALL!

NOTE - practice your pregame so you can deliver it as quickly and smoothly as possible.