Umpire Tips

  • Arrive on time and be prepared (30 minutes prior to start time).
  • Always have a pre-game with your partner.
  • Look sharp and dress the part.
  • ALWAYS put the ball back into play.
  • Get your butt out from behind the plate.
  • Always hustle – it distinguishes you from the poor or average umpire.
  • ALWAYS STAY FOCUSED on the game.
  • As the BASE umpire, NEVER leave the infield with runners on base while the ball is live.
  • As the BASE umpire with NO ONE on base, only leave the infield on fair/foul calls down the first base line or possible trouble balls from the right fielder towards the foul line.
  • If you are the BASE umpire, do not make out calls on balls hit to left/center field with no one on base.
  • Be humble – Never try to “run” the game or “coach” a player.
  • Use – give - respond to signals with your partner  (not just in an infield fly situation).
  • NEVER turn your head away from the field when calling balls and strikes.
  • PLEASE stop coming in and talking to the plate umpire between every half-inning.
  • Watch EVERY touch of the bases by the runners.
  • DO NOT say “strike three-you are out”, “Ball four-take your base” or point the batter-runner down to first.
  • DO NOT point the batter to first base after a walk (simply state “ball four” after the pitch)
    • Danger example – plate umpire points to first base alerting the batter that he is to go to first base because it is a walk.  The first base umpire misinterprets the plate umpire’s signal and thinks the plate umpire is appealing to him on a check swing.  The first base umpire indicates that the batter did – in fact – swing and calls the pitch a strike.  Do not point to first on a walk.
  • Appeal to the base umpire on a check swing by pointing with your LEFT hand.
  • Do NOT indicate pitch location on called balls.
  • Do not call “time” until the base runners return to their base.
  • Do not call “time” every time a defensive player asks for it.
  • NEVER call “time” to get yourself back into position.
  • Do not hold onto the game ball at the mound and wait for the pitcher to arrive.
  • Slow down your timing – wait for the play to be over – then make your call.
  • Work the slot and keep your chin level with the top of the catcher’s head.
  • Keep your head motionless – you must “lock in” your head position.
  • Stop constantly looking at your ball/strike indicator.
  • NEVER make a call or a decision on the run – always STOP moving before making any call.
  • Do not wear a watch – do not use your cell phone.
  • A foul ball is NEVER a foul tip and a foul tip is NEVER a foul ball.
  • Do not get talked into asking for help on your call after it has been made.
  • NEVER put your hands into your pockets.
  • Posture & preparation-do not fold your arms-do not cross your legs or slouch-this gives the wrong image-get in READY position.
  • DO NOT become best buddies with managers, coaches, or players.
  • ALWAYS enter and leave the field with your partner(s).
  • Do not hold your mask by the strap – ALWAYS remove it with your LEFT hand.
  • Always be careful what you say – you never know who is listening.
  • Read the rule book regularly – no one is so good that they could not use a regular refresher.
  • Stay down an extra second on your ball calls – timing is important – be consistent.
  • On check swings – do not be so hard headed that you will not ask your partner for help.
  • When working the plate and a foul fly is heading back toward the backstop, follow the movement of the catcher, not the flight of the ball.
  • Stay off the catcher – give him space to do his job.
  • Do not be a human scoreboard – when working the plate, it is not necessary to indicate the ball/strike count before every pitch.  Signal balls/strikes after every 3rd pitch.
  • Do Not make stadium calls
    • A stadium call is when the umpire is loud and emphatic when they don’t need to be.  Example:  An obvious foul ball does not need a loud emphatic “foul” if everyone in the stadium knows it’s foul.
    • On an obvious foul ball back to the screen – DO NOTHING.
  • Do Not forget to put the ball in play after a foul ball or a time out.
  • Do Not wear a ball bag while umpiring the bases.
  • Do Not take your eyes off of the ball ever (while the ball is in live).
  • Do Not have rabbit ears.
  • Do Not carry a rule book on your person.
  • When cleaning the plate, move out in front of the plate to face the crowd -  never show your back side.

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