Pre-Game

Responsibilities
One of the many good ways we as officials can make a good, positive impression on coaches and players is by conducting an informative and precise pre-game meeting.  At this time questions regarding teh playing field, uniforms, rule interpretations or clarifications, andy pertinent safety issues, and special items of concern can be addressed.  By conduction a positive and precise pre-game meeting, many difficult situations or complications that may arise during your game could possibly be minimized or avoided.  The Pre-Game meeting should be divided into 4 distinct categories:
    1. Initial Meeting with your Partner
    2. Field Inspection
    3. Bat and Helmet Inspection
    4. Home Plate meeting with Coach/Captains
  1. Partner Meeting:  When you and your partner arrive, determine Plate/Base Position, (unless already assigned,) review NYSSO fly ball responsibilities, Dead Ball coverage, Request for Help, Rules you wish to discuss and any special situation regarding the field, media or players.
  2. Field Inspection: Walk the field with your partner.  Check for large holes in the ground or fence, spaces in-between the ground and the fence, broken fences, poles, dead ball areas, pitcher's plates, bases, lines, dugout areas, and be aware of any other sport activities that are being held in close proximity to the softball field.
  3. Bat and Helmet Inspection: 
    1. BATS:  Inspect al bats for both teams.  Look for the "Official Softball" Marking, "ASA 2000 Certification," ASA 2004 Certification" (Rule 3, Sec 1A) and review the "Banned Bat List".  If you find a bat that is listed, look for the "ASA Recertification" mark.  Check bats for correct size and weight, no cracks or burrs, "RING" the bats whenever possible.
    2. HELMETS:  Check for cracks, damaged or non-existent padding, and make sure all batting helmets are NOCSAE approved and display the warning sticker.  Newer helmets may have the warning imprinted into the plastic brim or inside the helmet.  All helmets must have proper fitting chinstraps to be legal.
  4. Home Plate Conference:  Gather coaches, captains and your partner at home plate.  Ask for both line-up cards and review them to see if they are proper.  They should include:
    1. First / Last Name of each player
    2. Uniform #
    3. Position of each starting player
    4. Remaining Substitutes
    5. Make note if DP is in play

    The home plate umpire should introduce themselves and their partner(s) and invite the coaches/captains to do the same.  Be friendly but business like.  Review the ground rules starting at home plate continuing up the 1st base side to the outfield, and then back around to the 3rd base side back to home plate.  Ask for clarification from the home team's coach if need be.  If a field is not enclosed, make sure both teams are aware of where all "Dead-Ball" areas are located.  Remind players about the "No Jewelry" rule and obtain a game ball from the visiting pitcher if she has been warming up with one.  Make sure the proper ball is in use for your game!
    Early in the season read the NYSPHSAA Sportsmanship card at the home plate conference as as the season progresses review the rule for all coaches and players. The sportsmanship rule is in effect for all New York State Public high School Athletic Association contests.  It clearly defines what is acceptable behavior for athletes, coaches and officials.  Ask your partner if a this time there are any items they would like to add and ask coaches and players if they have any questions.  If not, ask them to hustle and prepare for the home team to take the field. 

Ground Rules

  1. Should be held 5 minutes prior to game time at home plate
  2. The plate umpire should be in charge and stand behind home plate with the managers in the batters boxes.  The base umpire should stand in front of home plate.  If a 3 umpire system is used the 1st base umpire stands in front of the left hand batters box and the 3rd base umpire in front of the right hand batters box.
  3. The plate umpire will introduce himself and base umpire/or umpires and also have both managers introduce themselves