1. The Plate Umpire should introduce himself and partner to both managers and coaches at home plate.
2. Review ALL ground rules. Start at one point on the field and work around in a circle covering all dead ball areas, field obstacles, etc.
3. Review over-throw rules and penalties.
4. Review line-ups. Remind them that there is no penalty for not reporting players proper re-entering the game, however, to keep proper control of the game, all substitutes should report to plate umpire.
5. Check to see which teams are using the additional hitter and make sure they understand how it is used.
6. Ask if there are any questions on the rules and clarify the ones they do not understand, local exceptions, etc.
7. Go over the usage of balls when they go out of play. Make sure they know which balls are illegal and what happens if illegal balls are used.
8. If a time limit is used, discuss with both managers the starting and ending times.
9. Establish which scorebook is official, if an official scorer is not used.
10. Flip a coin for home team if not already designated.
11. Wish both managers good luck.

25 RULES FOR GOOD UMPIRING

1. HUSTLE
2. Be neat and clean in your appearance.
3. Whenever possible make decisions at a complete stop.
4. Keep the game moving.
5. Keep the game, the players and yourself, under control.
6. Put some action in calling close plays.
7. Wait until the play is over before making calls, especially on tags.
8. See that runners touch each base and home plate.
9. Be on top of all your plays.
10. Be as close as you can on all plays without getting in the way of players.
11. Keep your eye on the ball. Remember everything starts with the ball.
12. Call interference, obstruction, fair or foul balls with your partner.
13. Remember there is no such thing as a crucial game because all ball games are crucial from the umpiring viewpoint.
14. Look right at the player when making a close call – never look away.
15. After a questionable call, bear down on next play – never try to even them up.
16. Think ahead while on the field – it makes umpiring easier.
17. Don’t take the field unless you are mentally and physically ready.
18. Stand still and watch the play all the way- you never know what is going to happen when your back is turned.
19. Sell yourself. Hustle and you will convince them you are good.
20. Remember you are no better than your partner, no matter how good you may think you are.
21. Stand 10 to 15 feet beyond first and third and in foul territory when working those bases.
22. Move on all pitched, batted and thrown balls.
23. Don’t turn too quick on a double play, keep your eye on the ball and let the ball turn you. Interference may occur and to call if you must see it.
24. Take positions that will keep you out of the player’s view – check with the players when changing position – remember umpires are the player’s greatest alibi.
25. Never walk from one position to another, hustle and the ball players will follow your example. No player likes to be out-hustled by an umpire.

GENERAL REMINDERS
As an umpire you should always:

1. Enforce the players code of conduct at all times.
2. Control your own temper – give a calm appearance under all conditions.
3. Be cooperative and understanding.
4. Make prompt decisions, be in front to the play and have the proper position.
5. Assist your partner by watching all plays too, in case he needs assistance.
6. Be sincere – give your best at all times, out hustle the players.
7. Allow only team participants to use bench or dugout.
8. Be flexible when conditions call for flexibility and good common sense.
9. Announce to opposing manager if game is being played under protest and report details to the office.
10. Be proud of your organization and yourself. Do justice to both.

Under no circumstances should Umpires:

1. Remain on or near the field after a game has been completed.
2. Engage in disputed play conversation with spectators or players, other than manager or coach.
3. State their opinions of the game, the team, the players, the fans, or engage in any unnecessary conversation with anyone.
4. Be careless of their conduct such as smoking between innings, leaning on backstop or dugout, or associating with fans of photographers, or players.
5. Over-rule their partners’ decisions because the play appeared different from their position.
6. Never touch a player, coach, or manager (with your hands) while in a conversation with them on a ball field.
7. Have their decisions altered or changed by pressures of the managers, players or spectators, or carry the pressures home, or into the next game.
8. Be over-bearing or abuse their authority, or use profane, obscene or vulgar language at any time.
9. Allow charging by the players.
10. Refer to the rule book during a game.
11. Complain or comment about other umpires’ work.

NEVER TAKE YOUR EYE OFF THAT BALL

BASIC MECHANICS – ONE (1) MAN SYSTEM

In essence, the truest test of an individual’s ability to perform the duties of a slow-pitch softball umpire. Not only is the umpire scrutinized for his judgment, his hustle, and positioning become key factors in his overall performance. The umpire, that institutes all his calls while remaining stationary behind the plate, is in for a long day at the ballpark.

“A”, “B” and “C” are all primary positions. Secondary movements will be dictated by the flow of play. Your ability to hustle and follow the ball now come into existence.

A word of caution; over hustle can tend to create unnecessary problems. Assume the primary position, keep your eyes always on the ball and move with its flight.

The importance of your knowledge of the rules goes without saying. But you will find your knowledge of the game will play a huge part. Realize game situation and you will react automatically to the proper positioning. Becoming a part of the game, rather than its overseer, will make you a much better umpire.

"Play Ball"	The plate umpire shall call “PLAY” and simultaneously make a beckoning or pointing motion for the pitcher to deliver the ball.
“Time”	Or “Time Out” is the call and signal that must be made. To indicate a suspension of play, the umpire shall call “Time” and at the same time extend both hands skyward, clearly above his head with the hands open. The other umpires shall immediately acknowledge the suspension of play by performing a similar signal. Plate umpire calls time initially.
“Not to Pitch”	Is a mixed signal in that it is a call and signal that suspends play but is made while the ball is alive. If is a situation whereby you need action to be taking place but you also need the “timing” mechanism. Extend the arm directly toward the pitcher with an open palm facing the pitcher, signaling the pitcher to stop.
Ball and Strike Calls Ball and strike call should be made in such a manner that everyone knows what is going on. Again these calls are performed proportionally.
”Ball”	For the ball call, it is a verbal call that should be heard loud enough for the catcher and batter to hear. No signal is used; however, the plate umpire shall give the verbal call of “BALL” and then add the number.
”Strike”	The Strike call should be seen and heard, in my cases, by all participants. To indicate that the pitch was a strike the umpire shall raise his right arm upward above the shoulder and then down to the hammer position, indicating the number of strikes with spread fingers, while at the same instance calling strike (by number) in a clear and decisive voice.	STRIKE.. ..ONE (number)
“Foul Tip”	The plate umpire shall first call a strike and then signal that it was a foul tip by extending both arms upward and off to the right of the body. The palm of the right hand will then be glanced off of the back of the left hand.	STRIKE FOUL TIP
“Foul Ball”	On a ball hit sharply down the first or third baseline the umpire shall call “TIME” then turn and extend his arms horizontally away from the diamond according to the direction f the ball, while verbalizing “FOUL BALL” in a manner appropriate to the situation.	TIME FOUL BALL
“Fair Ball”	The plate umpire shall signal by pumping the right arm in towards the infield. There is no verbal call. This is for the guidance of his fellow umpire and the player’s information.
“Safe”	To indicate that the base runner is safe (or not out). The umpire shall extend both arms out to his sides and to shoulder level with the palms open and facing down towards the ground. A verbal call of “SAFE” is performed simultaneously with the signal.	FIRST VISUAL ACTION SAFE
“OUT”	The umpire shall raise the right arm (hand open) straight up to a full extension directly above the shoulder and then bring it back down in to the hammer position (right angle) with the fist clenched and verbally call “OUT”.	FIRST VISUAL ACTION OUT
Close Sliding Plays	If the play is going to be a close sliding play, then the umpire should move in, get down and be as close as possible to eye level of where the play will occur. Once the play occurs, if it is to be a safe call, make the signal and stay with the play. If it is to be n out call, point at the play and then once you are sure that control of the ball has been established, signal and call “OUT”.	SAFE OUT
Interference	Interference is to be called immediately when it occurs. “TIME” is signaled and called and the umpire will then point to the player that is to be called out on the interference and “signal and call out”.	TIME POINT AND "OUT"
Infield Fly Rule	The pitcher, catcher and any outfielder who stations himself in the infield shall be considered infielders for the purpose of this rule. This rule eliminates intentional dropping of the ball for a double play. The proper call for this rule is: infield fly batter is out if fair.
”Infield Fly Situation”	The signal is given by the umpire bringing the palm of his right hand up to the left chest area and placing \the hand on the chest.
”Infield Fly-Out”	The plate umpire shall raise his right arm straight up with his fist clenched and call “IN-FIELD FLY” batter out if fair.
NOTE: Infield fly signal when a deaf person may be involved (player, coach or umpire). This should be discussed before the start of the game; this will make everyone aware of this situation. Umpire would clap his hands twice and then point with his right arm straight up. This would be done a couple of times.
Obstruction	A delayed dead ball call is signaled immediately when obstruction occurs. The delayed dead ball signal is given as soon as the obstruction or catcher’s obstruction occurs and a verbal statement will be made, as appropriate. Obstruction is indicated by the umpire extending the left arm horizontally to shoulder level and to the side.	DELAYED DEAD BALL
“Trapped Ball”	A trapped ball shall be indicated by the umpire extending both arms diagonally in front of his body with palms open, and toward the ground. Do not make a verbal call.	SAFE OR TRAPPED BALL
Ground Rule Double	Signaled by the umpire raising the arm straight up over the shoulder and indicating with the fingers the number of bases awarded.	2 BASES
Home Run	Signaled by the umpire raising the right arm straight up over the shoulder with a clenched fist and then moving the arm in a counter clockwise motion several times to indicated a home run.	4 BASES