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 timeCome with a clear head and “positive

mental attitudeWear 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 fieldStay focused and have good field

awarenessSupport and encourage partners

Communicate, verbally and non-verbally, throughout your game

Good Partners:Exhibit good people/communication

skillsExude confidence

Issues, with respect to behavior and/or unsporting acts, are not

ignoredBeing firm but fair is an expectation

TCB – Take Care of Business

Good Partners:Consistently use proper NFHS

mechanicsMaintain proper field positionsUse 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 areasHelp 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 playerNever 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 strugglingIf you are the “veteran” and something out of the

ordinary occurs, step in and helpListen/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 strandedJust like when you were playing,

always watch out for your teammates