TIPS FOR UMPIRES FROM JERRY NICOLAS
Here are some points to ponder and put in your back pocket:
1. Be at the field NLT 15 minutes before game time.
2. Meet with both managers and go over the ground rules, if there are any. They can suspend any current Rule and/or By-laws in our NCSS book as long as both managers are in agreement. The most common is the "Runners" rule. Speaking for myself, I always say let's go with the "open runners" where there is no limit from home plate and if a runner is on base and his turn comes up to bat, he's not penalized; but a runner can only run once per inning.
3. After each inning, repeat the score so both managers agree.
4. Let the first base coach make the call at first and the third base coach make the call at second and third. If either coach is "screened" and did not see the play, then he'll go to you to make the decision, "Safe or Out." This is the only time you'll be asked to make this ruling, otherwise, their call is final.
5. If a ball is hit down the first or left field line, stand on home plate to get a good view of a "Fair" or "Foul" ball. If it's fair, you don't need to say anything, but if it's foul, say "Foul ball" as soon as the ball lands in foul territory and signal with your left or right arm to indicate such.
6. Ask the managers to always have the next batter in the "on deck circle." This will move the game along.
7. Left hand for balls, right for strikes. When repeating the calls, balls first, strikes second; i. e. 1 and 2, 0 and 1, etc. and indicate with your fingers.
And finally, don't let them intimidate you by getting in your face. On close calls, the other side will never agree with the decision but stick with it. The only way you'll be over ruled is if both managers agree it was an incorrect decision and I've never seen that happen simply because one of the managers will be ruling against himself.
You'll enjoy it, I know you will.
Jerry