Pre-Game Management

Rich Ives · April 23, 2013

Should the plate umpire also serve as Board Member on duty?

If he's a board member and it's the only game going on then he very well could be. Read both conditions, with the "and", again, plus the then before responding. Plus I said could, not should.

sdix00 · April 23, 2013

I have been known to get the machines out and do what needs to be done, especially with a wet field. I can hammer holes and throw dry dirt/Field Dry as well as anyone.

I also am not afraid to ask a dad sitting in the stand to pitch in.

That is a much better solution than doing someone else's job.

kylejt · April 23, 2013

I've been UIC, manager, and most every BoD postion there is. I've got no trouble lending a hand, in whatever capacity, if the need arises.

Yeah, I do like to take off my polywools before I work the chalker, but if things need to get done I'm just a another volunteer, no better than any other.

Rich Ives · April 23, 2013

I have been known to get the machines out and do what needs to be done, especially with a wet field. I can hammer holes and throw dry dirt/Field Dry as well as anyone.

I also am not afraid to ask a dad sitting in the stand to pitch in.

That is a much better solution than doing someone else's job.

But it's not dad-in-the-stands job either.

I guess when I coached I shouldn't have been on the board, worked on fields and buildings, helped in the concession stand, trained people in the rules, run the PA on some off days, done the scheduling, or been the webmaster because that would have been doing someone else's job.

Silly me.

Dannytheman · April 23, 2013

I have been known to get the machines out and do what needs to be done, especially with a wet field. I can hammer holes and throw dry dirt/Field Dry as well as anyone.

I also am not afraid to ask a dad sitting in the stand to pitch in.

That is a much better solution than doing someone else's job.

But it's not dad-in-the-stands job either.

I guess when I coached I shouldn't have been on the board, worked on fields and buildings, helped in the concession stand, trained people in the rules, run the PA on some off days, done the scheduling, or been the webmaster because that would have been doing someone else's job.

Silly me.

It's not, but I grab them if needed. "Here's a rake, go work the infield around?"

I am UIC and a Board Member, and I call games, 3-4 a week. Like Rich, I am also the PA guy and asst equipment manager. :smachhead: I am also the most strict umpire. I have never been a coach, always an ump. I have even umped my kids game. (Called him out on strikes, and hired a food tester for following week)

Some of my umps have been working the dish, as Smitty umps, at this league for well over 15 years. Most of them played here as kids. League is 65 years old in May.

sdix00 · April 23, 2013

I have been known to get the machines out and do what needs to be done, especially with a wet field. I can hammer holes and throw dry dirt/Field Dry as well as anyone.

I also am not afraid to ask a dad sitting in the stand to pitch in.

That is a much better solution than doing someone else's job.

But it's not dad-in-the-stands job either.

I guess when I coached I shouldn't have been on the board, worked on fields and buildings, helped in the concession stand, trained people in the rules, run the PA on some off days, done the scheduling, or been the webmaster because that would have been doing someone else's job.

Silly me.

This is the exception, and it proves my point.

LL is a volunteer organization, but many times there are few volunteers. They work hard, and everything works well as a result, but the downside is that parents aren't compelled to volunteer because everything is handled, they think they will fail (coaching), or they don't want to step on your toes/turf.

When things go south, that is the best time to get more volunteers involved. Field not ready? Dad get a rake. Team is 0-10 and the coach quit? Dad in the stands couldn't do any worse. Kids can't play because the umpire didn't show up? Dad, call it from behind the mound. We just found a new field maintenance coordinator, manager and staff umpire.

Good volunteers, umpires included, are the exception and citing a great volunteer doesn't prove anything other than the fact that they are a rare treasure.

BigUmpire · April 23, 2013

Rich my league experience- 630 kids:

Board member for 6 years
President for 2 years
Coached 4 teams
Taught pitching for 8 years
Worked the concession more hours that I can remember.
Lots of field work days
Raked and lined fields on the way home from work all of the time.
Ran 24 tournaments
Used all of my vacation every year for the league
Got the city to build a new deluxe concession stand, 4 batting cages and 1 additional field.
Umpired when needed
Always in the black financially
Started umpiring full time when my kids left the program.
Became the UIC after 4 years

Built an organization that knew how to get or hire help.

Been there, done that. BUT when I was in uniform as an umpire I was an umpire.

Rich Ives · April 23, 2013

Built an organization that knew how to get or hire help.

Been there, done that. BUT when I was in uniform as an umpire I was an umpire.

1) We haven't had registration fees for 62 years and we're not starting now so we don't hire help.

2) So maybe I should I post a statement in big bold letters that when I was there to coach I shouldn't have had to be the groundskeeper?

p.s. Don't throw your credentials at me. I started LL in 1974 - went on the board in 1978 - coached through 2005 season - did all the jobs I listed above - still on the board. BTW - my one and only was born in 1993 and "graduated" in 2005 so I did most of it as a community volunteer, not as an interested parent.

Plus I was on the board of our United Way for 15 years - president 2 terms, community action agency board 5 years - president for 3, and Boys Club board at various times.

Plus I was a member of and then board member of our ski race club, co-chair of its annual HUGE swap fundraiser (300K in sales annually) for 8 years, and a licensed USSA official. If you want to understand cold, try officiating a ski race.

Plus I'm on the board of our school music boosters club and a member of a start-up community theater club.

In my spare time I sleep.

BigUmpire · April 23, 2013

Built an organization that knew how to get or hire help.

Been there, done that. BUT when I was in uniform as an umpire I was an umpire.

1) We haven't had registration fees for 62 years and we're not starting now so we don't hire help.

2) So maybe I should I post a statement in big bold letters that when I was there to coach I shouldn't have had to be the groundskeeper?

p.s. Don't throw your credentials at me. I started LL in 1974 - went on the board in 1978 - coached through 2005 season - did all the jobs I listed above - still on the board. BTW - my one and only was born in 1993 and "graduated" in 2005 so I did most of it as a community volunteer, not as an interested parent.

Plus I was on the board of our United Way for 15 years - president 2 terms, community action agency board 5 years - president for 3, and Boys Club board at various times.

Plus I was a member of and then board member of our ski race club, co-chair of its annual HUGE swap fundraiser (300K in sales annually) for 8 years, and a licensed USSA official. If you want to understand cold, try officiating a ski race.

Plus I'm on the board of our school music boosters club and a member of a start-up community theater club.

In my spare time I sleep.

You keep missing the point. Obviously not ex military.

mstaylor · April 24, 2013

I have been involved with LL since 1975 myself. I have supervised the building of three LL complexes. I never charge for umpiring LL. Past VP of the state umpire assoc. But when I am in an umpire uniform I will not do field work. Out of uniform, no problem, in uniform, not a chance. It is a simple matter of not screwing up my uniforms. I am a Pigpen, think Peanuts character, so I will not do it. It has nothing to do with any ego thing, separation of jobs, none of that, I just know my propensity to get nasty.

BigUmpire · April 24, 2013

Wearing of a uniform means a lot to me.

I become a different person.

Trained that way.

Not arrogance, pride.

I know my role in a uniform.

I have been a ditch covered in mud and animal crap for 2 days in uniform, knew my role.

I attended the commissioning of the USS Michael Murphy in uniform, knew my role that day (last time in a dress uniform). Had my grandson with me.

I know my role in the uniform of an umpire.

You decide what yours is.

Enough.

Rich Ives · April 24, 2013

Built an organization that knew how to get or hire help.

Been there, done that. BUT when I was in uniform as an umpire I was an umpire.

1) We haven't had registration fees for 62 years and we're not starting now so we don't hire help.

2) So maybe I should I post a statement in big bold letters that when I was there to coach I shouldn't have had to be the groundskeeper?

p.s. Don't throw your credentials at me. I started LL in 1974 - went on the board in 1978 - coached through 2005 season - did all the jobs I listed above - still on the board. BTW - my one and only was born in 1993 and "graduated" in 2005 so I did most of it as a community volunteer, not as an interested parent.

Plus I was on the board of our United Way for 15 years - president 2 terms, community action agency board 5 years - president for 3, and Boys Club board at various times.

Plus I was a member of and then board member of our ski race club, co-chair of its annual HUGE swap fundraiser (300K in sales annually) for 8 years, and a licensed USSA official. If you want to understand cold, try officiating a ski race.

Plus I'm on the board of our school music boosters club and a member of a start-up community theater club.

In my spare time I sleep.

You keep missing the point. Obviously not ex military.

8th Army Honor Guard - Seoul Korea - 1968-69

You keep missing the point. If you're a league volunteer don't sit there on your duff complaining that some other league volunteer isn't working fast enough.

BigUmpire · April 24, 2013

Built an organization that knew how to get or hire help.

Been there, done that. BUT when I was in uniform as an umpire I was an umpire.

1) We haven't had registration fees for 62 years and we're not starting now so we don't hire help.

2) So maybe I should I post a statement in big bold letters that when I was there to coach I shouldn't have had to be the groundskeeper?

p.s. Don't throw your credentials at me. I started LL in 1974 - went on the board in 1978 - coached through 2005 season - did all the jobs I listed above - still on the board. BTW - my one and only was born in 1993 and "graduated" in 2005 so I did most of it as a community volunteer, not as an interested parent.

Plus I was on the board of our United Way for 15 years - president 2 terms, community action agency board 5 years - president for 3, and Boys Club board at various times.

Plus I was a member of and then board member of our ski race club, co-chair of its annual HUGE swap fundraiser (300K in sales annually) for 8 years, and a licensed USSA official. If you want to understand cold, try officiating a ski race.

Plus I'm on the board of our school music boosters club and a member of a start-up community theater club.

In my spare time I sleep.

You keep missing the point. Obviously not ex military.

8th Army Honor Guard - Seoul Korea - 1968-69

You keep missing the point. If you're a league volunteer don't sit there on your duff complaining that some other league volunteer isn't working fast enough.

I don't complain. I have been in their shoes. I am wearing spit shined shoes (every game), pressed pants, clean shaven and ready to officiate the game. My mask is under my left arm and I am checking bats, helmets and game balls. I know my role in a uniform. If I were not wearing it I would already have the field ready for the umpires. I know my role. With very few exceptions a sports official is the first uniformed authority figure young people interact with. They should respect this person.

calablue · April 24, 2013

I have a hard and fast rule. The teams say the LL Pledge along 1st and 3rd base line at 5 minutes before game. Then immediatley after that, Visiting team takes field, and we are withing starting time.

If they have no lines down, and it's within 10 minutes of start time, tell them you are working with no lines.

Take control and tell them what you want them to do.

Every time I put the visiting team on the field to start a game I remain confused for the rest of the game

SoCal Lurker · April 26, 2013

Start the clock at scheduled game time.

Let them know you will do so and do it.

You may also want the league to adopt an official schedule of when teams take infield (e.g., VT has infield 4:30-4:40 and HT 4:40-4:50 - and if they miss it they are SOL) -- saw that in a league my son played an inter-league game with, and it seemed to work well in getting games started on time.

plateumpire · May 9, 2013

I have a hard and fast rule. The teams say the LL Pledge along 1st and 3rd base line at 5 minutes before game. Then immediatley after that, Visiting team takes field, and we are withing starting time.

If they have no lines down, and it's within 10 minutes of start time, tell them you are working with no lines.

Take control and tell them what you want them to do.

What about if they don't have bases out? This happened to me. The game was late because the coaches had to dig around to find the spot where the base goes.

BigUmpire · May 9, 2013

I have a hard and fast rule. The teams say the LL Pledge along 1st and 3rd base line at 5 minutes before game. Then immediatley after that, Visiting team takes field, and we are withing starting time.

If they have no lines down, and it's within 10 minutes of start time, tell them you are working with no lines.

Take control and tell them what you want them to do.

What about if they don't have bases out? This happened to me. The game was late because the coaches had to dig around to find the spot where the base goes.

If the field is not ready at game time TOO bad. I start my timer at scheduled game time.

Jeapugrad · May 9, 2013

LL, 7/8U - My problem is games inevitably start 5-7 minutes late (not just me, seems to be league wide). Weekday games start at 5:30. Dads/coaches show up 4:50-5:00. Field prep IMO is slow. Despite my polite urging, teams are lagging to get on the dirt for infield, and unless I am right there they take too long. I'm working solo, usually at 5:00 or few minutes after I touch base with VT manager for equipment inspection, then same with HT manager. Then I encourage the field prep guy (usually a coach) and ask him to let the VT know to take infield as soon as he is done. I go to the truck to get into plate gear. Even though I asked VT to take 5 minute infield and HT to hustle on immediately after, when I get back from the parking lot it seems that we are behind schedule. I learned a lesson last game: coaches knew we were behind so they insisted that we have the plate meeting while HT was finishing infield (to my shame I agreed) and despite trying to stay out of harms way, one of the coaches got hit by a ball (not injured, thankfully). Any advice to speed up field prep and infield? Do you have HT back in the dugout for the plate meeting? Help is appreciated! <><

Be ready to leave your car 15 mins before game time, arrive on field no later than 10 minutes before game time, and I guarantee first pitch will be thrown on time if not early. Call for head coaches 10 minutes before and do it forcefully but not in a dickheadish manner.

BigUmpire · May 10, 2013

LL, 7/8U - My problem is games inevitably start 5-7 minutes late (not just me, seems to be league wide).
Weekday games start at 5:30. Dads/coaches show up 4:50-5:00. Field prep IMO is slow. Despite my polite urging, teams are lagging to get on the dirt for infield, and unless I am right there they take too long.
I'm working solo, usually at 5:00 or few minutes after I touch base with VT manager for equipment inspection, then same with HT manager. Then I encourage the field prep guy (usually a coach) and ask him to let the VT know to take infield as soon as he is done. I go to the truck to get into plate gear. Even though I asked VT to take 5 minute infield and HT to hustle on immediately after, when I get back from the parking lot it seems that we are behind schedule.
I learned a lesson last game: coaches knew we were behind so they insisted that we have the plate meeting while HT was finishing infield (to my shame I agreed) and despite trying to stay out of harms way, one of the coaches got hit by a ball (not injured, thankfully).
Any advice to speed up field prep and infield? Do you have HT back in the dugout for the plate meeting? Help is appreciated! <><

Be ready to leave your car 15 mins before game time, arrive on field no later than 10 minutes before game time, and I guarantee first pitch will be thrown on time if not early.

Call for head coaches 10 minutes before and do it forcefully but not in a dickheadish manner. Amen.

bam · May 10, 2013

Rich Ives, on 23 Apr 2013 - 2:36 PM, said:
And if you're part of the league and ready to go - pick up a rake or the marking machine. You're the one with free time on your hands at the moment.

Typical rat. You know what? You should make sure the concession stand is fully stocked and has fresh buns, too. Check the lights. Inspect for termites. Treat for grubs.

There's no end to what rats think umpires should have to do.

Most likely your doing this for FREE! And the rat wants you to rake and line the field.

Good Lord.

BigUmpire · May 10, 2013

Rich Ives, on 23 Apr 2013 - 2:36 PM, said:
And if you're part of the league and ready to go - pick up a rake or the marking machine. You're the one with free time on your hands at the moment.

Typical rat. You know what? You should make sure the concession stand is fully stocked and has fresh buns, too. Check the lights. Inspect for termites. Treat for grubs.
There's no end to what rats think umpires should have to do.
Most likely your doing this for FREE! And the rat wants you to rake and line the field.
Good Lord.

I hit the "like this button" BUT I REALLY like this one BAM! Amen

BigUmpire · May 10, 2013

LL, 7/8U - My problem is games inevitably start 5-7 minutes late (not just me, seems to be league wide). Weekday games start at 5:30. Dads/coaches show up 4:50-5:00. Field prep IMO is slow. Despite my polite urging, teams are lagging to get on the dirt for infield, and unless I am right there they take too long. I'm working solo, usually at 5:00 or few minutes after I touch base with VT manager for equipment inspection, then same with HT manager. Then I encourage the field prep guy (usually a coach) and ask him to let the VT know to take infield as soon as he is done. I go to the truck to get into plate gear. Even though I asked VT to take 5 minute infield and HT to hustle on immediately after, when I get back from the parking lot it seems that we are behind schedule. I learned a lesson last game: coaches knew we were behind so they insisted that we have the plate meeting while HT was finishing infield (to my shame I agreed) and despite trying to stay out of harms way, one of the coaches got hit by a ball (not injured, thankfully). Any advice to speed up field prep and infield? Do you have HT back in the dugout for the plate meeting? Help is appreciated! <><
Be ready to leave your car 15 mins before game time, arrive on field no later than 10 minutes before game time, and I guarantee first pitch will be thrown on time if not early. Call for head coaches 10 minutes before and do it forcefully but not in a dickheadish manner.

Good word 'Dickheadish". Applies to lots of coaches. You learn that at Evans?

Jeapugrad · May 10, 2013

^no. I'm a straight up no BS kinda person in all aspects of life. It's not the dress that makes you look fat, it's the FAT that makes you look fat.

BigUmpire · May 10, 2013

^no. I'm a straight up no BS kinda person in all aspects of life. It's not the dress that makes you look fat, it's the FAT that makes you look fat.

Define "Fat" please.

BalkHawk · May 11, 2013

What the hell is a rake?

Pre-Game Management

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