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The Process
The Process
Prior to the start of a game, the plate meeting is used to deal with all of the “housekeeping” issues of a game.
Umpires should arrive at home plate 5 minutes before the scheduled game time.
Each team manager should join the umpires at home plate.
Introductions should take place and then we move into swapping the lineups
The umpire should
Take the home team’s original lineup, along with a copy
Take the away team’s original lineup, along with a copy
Ensure all fielding positions are filled, no player or position is listed twice
Check to ensure that the copies are identical to the originals
In grades where additional players cannot be added to the team sheet, confirm with both managers that all players are listed. If not, they may be added at the plate meeting.
Pass the copies to the opposition managers
The Umpire should ALWAYS keep the originals.
Following this the umpires and coaches should
Confirm playing conditions (e.g. game length, mercy rules)
Ground rules
The umpire will then usually receive the game balls from the home team manager.
Key Points
Key Points
Remember it is the responsibility of the teams to ensure there are suitable match balls for use in the game. Do not let them blame you for the balls being damaged or lost. Very simply, if they cannot supply a match ball, they cannot play.
You should ensure you are given sufficient new match balls for the game. You should also ensure that each team has a few spares should the original balls become damaged or are lost.
To explain the ground rules, it is suggested to start directly behind home plate and continue clockwise towards the third base bench and around the exterior of the field ensuring all potential problem areas are highlighted. (e.g. dugouts, bullpens, holes in the fence, cones marking out of play lines).
The umpire will administer the ground rules unless he / she does not know them. In this case, the home team manager will administer them. If the managers cannot decide on a certain ground rule, the umpire will have the final say.
You should consult the Baseball SA Playing Conditions for the details that relate to the game you will be officiating.
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