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 > Little League Online > Umpires > Useful Tips > Pre-Game "Must Cover" Subjects - October 2006

Pre-Game "Must Cover" Subjects - October 2006

Here are the “must-cover” subjects to be discussed when the umpires get together before a game:

• Outfield coverage: The differences between a 60-foot diamond and the 90-foot diamond are significant. Who is going to go to the outfield, and when, needs to be covered.

• Fair-foul coverage: With no runners on base, the base umpire can help when he/she is positioned behind the first baseman. But with runners on, the home plate umpire has everything on both lines.

• Who takes third: With a lone runner on first base going to third on a base hit, the plate umpire has to cover third while the base umpire has the batter-runner no matter where he/she ends up. On an overthrow at third, the plate umpire will bring the lead runner home and the base umpire will continue to stay with the batter-runner.

• Check swings: A good idea is to tell each catcher he/she can check as many swings as he/she wants. They will appreciate it. Also, tell your partner you will be checking with him/her, and that all you want is the truth. A plate umpire’s feelings should not be hurt by the base umpire calling a strike. If the base umpire has to argue with a coach, he or she will want to argue about their own judgment, not a decision to support another umpire.

• Pulled foot at first: How many games have you seen go bad because the base umpire calls the runner "out" then after much yelling discusses the call with his/her partner and then changes the call, only to be barraged again from the other side? Try hard to avoid that kind of situation. If you want help with a pulled foot, ask before you make a call.

• Arguments and ejections: Each umpire should handle his/her own disputes with managers and coaches. As long as the discussion stays one-on-one, the partner should keep his/her distance. In fact, the partner should be busy observing players and dugouts.

• End of the game: When a game is over, meet your partner immediately and leave the field together, ideally through a gate on the winning team's side. Do not get yourself in trouble by stopping to talk to a player or manager/coach thus giving someone an opportunity to discuss a call made during the game.

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