Arrival
Upon arrival and check-in with the home coach, ask what time the coach wants to begin the plate meeting. Get dressed and pregame mechanics with your partners. Walk out a minute or two early of the requested plate meeting time by the home head coach or manager. Make sure you walk onto the field on time. The home team may have plans for a special event, e.g. first pitch or other recognition of someone deserving.
Starting the Plate Meeting
As the meeting starts, PU (plate umpire) positions himself on the catchers side of home plate. Both other umpires are on the field side of the batters box on their appropriate side of the field (1B or 3B). Allow the coaches (and maybe team captains) to occupy their appropriate side of the batters boxes. Execute normal pleasantries, shake hands, introduce yourselves and then begin the actual meeting. NOTE: Be aware of spatial hesitancy by either coach for potential medical concerns. If the coaches are bantering back and forth pleasantly, allow them to continue for awhile. When enough time goes by, appropriately interject quietly about the start time of the game. Sometimes the National Anthem will play to force the meeting to move ahead quickly.
Learning the Venue
Once discussing the game, make sure you allow the Home coach to “take us around”. Allow the coach to share their knowledge of the home field and any issues. Next, go over any specific ground rules for the field or any league-specific rules that need to be addressed. Clarify any policies for substitutions, pitching changes, and player equipment. Make sure everyone understands the protocol for handling confrontations or disagreements during the game.
Don’t forget to emphasize good sportsmanship and legally proper equipment before you break the meeting. If you, or either of the other two officials have a specific question about where a ball might be out of play, now is the time to confirm it. Don’t let it come up during the game causing an argument by both teams. At the end of the meeting ask the coaches if they have any questions or anything to add, followed by asking your partners if they have anything else.
At the end of the meeting ask the coaches if they have any questions or anything to add, followed by asking your partners if they have anything else. Shake hands and wish “Good Luck” to both coaches.
Finishing and Starting
Finally, emphasize the importance of safety and fair play, and encourage open communication throughout the game. Remember to stay calm and professional, and be open to any questions or concerns the umpires may have. By maintaining clear communication and demonstrating mutual respect, you can help ensure a successful and enjoyable game for everyone involved.
Upon completion of the meeting, go to work! It is now time to focus strictly on executing the game to the best of your ability. The field and all it’s decisions are now yours! Good Luck!
