Pregame preparation is one of the simplest ways softball umpires can improve game management, crew communication and consistency. Here’s what to cover before the first pitch so everyone is aligned on logistics, mechanics, signals and responsibilities.
Before the first pitch is thrown, one of the most critical parts of any game has already taken place — the pregame meeting between umpires. This meeting is essential for ensuring a smooth, successful game, regardless of the level or age group being umpired.
To make the most of a pregame meeting, umpires should coordinate arrival times to allow for a thorough discussion beforehand. This time together is invaluable, whether you’re working with someone for the first time or the hundredth time.
Preparing for the Pregame Meeting
There are several steps umpires can take to prepare:
Research the Teams
Check standings and available statistics to learn tendencies, such as base-stealing frequency, bunt tendencies and hit-by-pitch trends. Depending on the level you are working, you may even be able to see video to get a feel for each team. The additional information on the teams will help you know what you might be in for and what type of game you may have.
Talk to Other Umpires
If others have worked the teams before, gather insights on any notable issues or behavior. Ask about the coaches, field quirks, what types of pitchers the teams have, if they are aggressive on the base paths or whether they are power hitters.
The goal is not to predict what will happen but to be ready for what could happen. This way, you won’t be surprised and can be ready for what may lie ahead. Again, just because something happened in a previous game does not mean it will happen in your particular game.
At the Game Site
Once the crew arrives, share any relevant information each member has gathered. If anyone has prior experience with the teams involved, now is the time to talk through it. However, if something negative happened in a previous game, it should not affect the way you umpire this particular game. Each game should be a clean slate. Sharing information from a previous game prepares you for potential scenarios that may occur.
Regardless of how long you’ve worked together, pregame communication is always beneficial. Each game presents a new challenge, and you should always be prepared instead of walking mindlessly into the situation.
Key Topics to Cover
Here are a list of topics to discuss pregame to give the crew the best chance at success:
Game Logistics
Discuss any game-specific rules or conditions. Touch on all of the following at a minimum:
- Run rule.
- Tiebreakers.
- Halted game procedure.
- Drop-dead time.
- Time limits.
- Expected weather impacts.
If you umpire different levels and multiple conferences or leagues, the rules surrounding each of those things may differ. Make sure you and the rest of the crew are on the same page before leaving your cars or the locker room to head to the field. Many of these points will be discussed at the plate meeting with the coaches, and you want to provide accurate information. Otherwise, you leave a bad impression on the coaches, and they may think you are new to that particular conference or league. Knowing information ahead of time shows that you are well-prepared.
Rule and Mechanics Review
Go over any new or modified rules for the league, conference or code you’re umpiring. Review mechanics thoroughly — many umpires work multiple levels or codes, and mechanics may vary. This is especially important if you find yourself working three-person mechanics and are primarily used to working two-person mechanics.
Discuss how to handle certain situations, such as a bunt-and-run or situations involving an umpire getting trapped at a base (such as a first-base umpire getting trapped on an overthrow and unable to rotate home in three-person mechanics).
While deviations should not be predetermined, it is important to discuss the potential scenarios where deviations may occur, ensuring the entire crew is on the same page. This hopefully prevents either having two umpires covering the same play or potentially having no umpire covering a play.
Umpire-to-Umpire Communication
The plate umpire should clarify all of the following:
- Signals to be used and when.
- How to initiate infield fly calls.
- How check swings will be handled.
- Any additional in-game signals.
Again, different codes have different mechanics and signals. It is important to make sure you are using the proper mechanics for the level you are working that day. Take a few minutes to discuss each of these, so everyone is on the same page.
In-Game Responsibilities
Based on crew size, define responsibilities clearly, including:
- Coverage for runners leaving early.
- Tag-up plays.
- Check swings.
- Fly ball chase areas and tendencies.
- Fair/foul calls.
Again, know a particular code’s mechanics to handle these situations appropriately. Make sure the entire crew knows the proper mechanics to be used in your game. Don’t be afraid to use a magnetic board or an app on an iPad or phone to illustrate some of these mechanics if you or your crew are visual learners.
Umpire Huddles
Discuss procedures for in-game conferences. The calling umpire should present the issue, and each crew member should provide input. Confirm who needs to be addressed and what should be communicated before breaking the huddle. Make sure everyone on the crew feels comfortable gathering the rest of the crew if something doesn’t feel right.
Remember, it’s better to get together and have a quick discussion than to not say anything and realize after the game that you missed something because someone was afraid to speak up. This is a good time to talk about option plays as well that may occur and how they should be handled by the crew.
Warnings and Ejections
Review how to support each other during these moments. Agree on where ejected participants should go and how communication should flow within the crew.
Walk the Field
One final piece to the pregame is walking the field together as a crew. This gives the crew the opportunity to discuss any unusual quirks of the field, how to handle out-of-play areas and tarps, and allows the crew to show a united front before the game begins.
While you can’t predict everything that might happen in a game, starting on the same page gives your crew the best chance for success and smoother outcomes throughout the contest.
For ready-made pregame meeting guides to a variety of Softball situations, consider Referee’s Softball: Pick a Pregame, which details common factors that influence your games and how to prepare with your crewmates. Throw it in your bag and you’ll use it before every game.
Erin Peterson, Seattle, is an NCAA umpire and has worked four NCAA Women’s College World Series. She is a USA Elite umpire and is a member of the mechanics committee for the CCA Manual.
