Plate man should contact partner(s) in advance.

Confirm times of arrival and traveling plans, if necessary.

Coordinate proper uniforms with partner(s).

Arrive on time

Come with a clear head and “positive mental attitude

Wear a clean , well-fitting uniform

Give your partners the impression – this is “the place” you want to be

Good partners lead or participate in

Pre-game conferences

Good Pre-game conferences set the

proper tone

They establish trust and teamwork

among partners

Good Partners:Are in good physical condition

Hustle, at all times, on the field

Stay focused and have good field

awareness

Support and encourage partners

Communicate, verbally and non-verbally,

throughout your game

Good Partners:

Exhibit good people/communication

skills

Exude confidence

Issues, with respect to behavior

and/or unsporting acts, are not

ignored

Being firm but fair is an expectation

TCB – Take Care of Business

Good Partners:

Consistently use proper NFHS

mechanics

Maintain proper field positions

Use a strong and clear voice

Alert partners to potential plays via

signals

Consistently make good eye contact

Good Partners:

Are TEAM players

Know their calling area

responsibilities

Make calls in their areas

Help out in unusual situations

Are ready to help on checked swings

and fouls balls off of the batter

Good Partners:

ALWAYS back their partners on the

field, even though you may disagree

Never undermine your partner in front

of a coach or player

Never let a player or coach disparage or

denigrate their partners – TCB*

Good Partners:Sometimes have to “take one for the team”

Help out if your partner is struggling

If you are the “veteran” and something out of the

ordinary occurs, step in and help

Listen/talk to coaches, take some of the “heat”

If your partner is younger/inexperienced -

encourage him

Let him know you are there to help if needed

Good Partners: Participate in a Post-game conference

Reflect on the game – if you could, would you do

anything different?

How do each of you feel about your game?

Were or are there any rules questions?

Did you manage the game well?

Problems/situations - how were they handled?

Great time for veterans to help/mentor

newer/inexperienced officials.

Remember -

Any Joe Blow can call Balls & Safes – It

takes an UMPIRE to call Strikes & Outs!

Call them!

Keep your game moving!

Always remember there are three

(3)

teams on the field

Leave as a crew - NEVER leave a

partner stranded

Just like when you were playing,

always watch out for your

teammates