Here is some information to help you while being a NW umpire
Pre-game with Coaches
- Introductions
- Go over line-up cards (Some leagues, espically in the summer, won't give you one). I always ask for one especially if its a league game. If there's a problem, I want to know who I"m dealing with. Typically non-conference amateur games the coaches will exchange but not have one for you. You can still ask for one.
- Discuss the slide rule and where it will be applied. Especially, for amateur games, since different leagues use diifferent slide rules at different bases. The HS and College teams/leagues should all be using the same rule in all games.
- Re-entry Rule, especially in amateur and Legion games. Some may use the HS rule and in the playoffs this may be different.
- Trips to the mound. Know the difference between the HS rule, College rule and the Pro rule. Make sure you know what rule you are using from the beginning to prevent an issue later in the game.
- Courtesy Runners. Know the HS rule and understand there is a wide variety of how this rule is applied in Amateur leagues.
- Let the home coach do the ground rules.
- Know the HS Run Rule. Especially in the summer; different leagues use different Run Rules.
- DH rules. HS, College or Pro.
- For Amateur games: Playing Managers/Coaches. If one of these is playing in the field, make sure everyone knows if a trip is being charged. If they designate a bench coach or someone else, then you should write that number down.
- Misc: Balls, Bat Boys/Girls must have helmets, warm up pitches in inning one and then between inninngs, sportsmanship, hustle in & out, let me know of changes, .......Have some fun!
- If anyone has any tips/info to add please send an e-mail to us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.