1.     Get the proper Uniform.  See web site www.umpires.org or call the uniform chairman Rob Regan Home  703-281-5297,  Work  703-699-7018.

 

2.   Complete Availability information by logging onto www.thearbiter.net/Offical/Default.aspx, and  

      then under calendar. The commissioners need to know in advance of scheduling the days and          

      times you are not available to work. Immediately upon receipt of assignments via thearbiter.net,     

      be sure to accept. If you can not accept, TELEPHONE John immediately.

 

3.     Telephone or email your Partner at least 24 hours before a game. If your partner calls you and leaves a message – CALL HIM BACK! Confirm with your partner the DATE, TIME, and LOCATION. Let John Porter know if you can’t confirm your partner by the morning of the scheduled game.  

 

4.     Look up the Game Site on MapQuest through thearbiter.net or in the Site Directory in this manual. Be sure you know how to get to the game field.  

 

5.     In case of Inclement Weather it is the umpire’s responsibility to know the status of a possible cancellation. If it is a regular high school or college game – call the school. If a recreation game, be alert for a message to cancel or telephone the commissioner.

 

6.     Arrive at game at least 30 minutes before the start time. Unless specific other arrangements are made with your partner, always meet in the parking lot of the site that is closest to home plate. Never park near the entrance or gate, rather park well away from fans, coaches, and team busses. If you arrive at a game and suspect that the game or partner or you yourself are not at the right place telephone the commissioner IMMEDIATELY.

 

7.     Have a good Pre-Game with your partner and coaches. Discuss mechanics and procedures with your partner. Arrive at home plate on the field at least 5 minutes prior to the game time. Discuss time limits, ground rules, local league rules and safety with the coaches. If a team is short handed you may wait up to 30 minutes prior to declaring a forfeit if you feel the team is likely to field enough players. You will be paid a full fee for legitimate forfeits.

 

8.     Act Professionally and Responsibly during the game. Do not use profanity. Don’t use tobacco in a youth game or a college game. You may (and should) eject players and coaches that exhibit poor sportsmanship. Do not forfeit a baseball game unless ejections and other early departures leave at least one of the teams short handed by the local league rules. Do not work a “practice” game.

 

9.     Conduct a Post game with your partner. Discuss rules problems, strike zone, questionable calls, mechanics, coverages, attitude and any incidents. Call the commissioner if there are unresolved issues or if you want to talk about any other aspect of the game.

 

10.  Complete the game report on thearbiter.net and indicate if there was any aspect of the game that affects fees. These include an umpire being late or absent, forfeits, rainouts, cancellations, etc.

 

11.  Fill out a Paysheet after the game to ensure that games are listed in chronological order.

Keep a separate paysheet for the following 4 classifications of games – College, School Games, Spring & Summer Recreation, and Fall Recreation