Top 13 things umpires think that a coach should know: 

by Barry Sullivan

1.   Never question an umpire’s integrity! – Statements like “call it both ways” never help whether you are near the umpire or beside your own dugout! 

2.   Expect the umpire to treat you with dignity and respect. In turn, coaches should treat umpires with dignity and respect. Never call an umpire by his/her name, whether you know him/her or not. On the ball field it is always Mr. Ump or Ms. Ump / Mr. Blue or Ms. Blue.

3.   Coaches are responsible for the behavior of their players and fans.

4.   Umpires DO NOT position players on the field. If the offense feels the defense is setting up in the way of a runner, the coach should ask for time and then ask the opposing coach to move his players. The coach should also keep in mind that the defense can set up virtually anywhere they want and the defense is not obligated to move their players.

5.   Coaches/players CANNOT call for timeout. They request a timeout. A coach should never walk out on the field until time is called by the umpire!

6.  Never yell across the field at an umpire. Wait for the play to be over, ask for time, and then walk out to talk calmly with umpire. Only one coach is to approach umpire to discuss a play or situation. Extras coaches will be sent back to the dugout.

7.   Coaches should never bring a copy of the ASA Rule Book to the field. They SHOULD be familiar with their local rules and bring a copy of their local rules to the game. If they have occasion to advise the umpires that they may have missed a local rule, they should offer to go to the dugout and get a copy for the umpire to look it.

8.  The Head Coach must attend the plate meeting unless he/she is physically not at the park. If we have a “substitute” Head Coach, he/she is the only coach allowed to speak for the team during that game.

9.   Coaches should commit to memory the time limit for their game, also the run limitations. If the umpire errs, it is the coach’s responsibility to call it to his/her attention at the plate meeting. If they don’t, we will play by the limitations as stated at the plate meeting.

10. In TB/PW, the umpire calls time as soon as and when he/she feels it is appropriate based on your local rule. We are NOT looking for the player-pitcher to hold the ball up.

11. The Coaches boxes are not havens! The coach is expected to move to allow the defense to play the ball. Generally there is no penalty unless the coach makes no effort to get out of the way!

12. Umpires will not ask for assistance from partner unless there is a specific reason like she bobbled the ball, she pulled her foot, etc. but not because I think he had a better view. If you want the umpire to go for help, you’ve got to tell him/her what he should ask for help on. In the end, it’s the umpire decision to “go for help” and he/she may or may not honor your request.

13. If coaches would watch for missed bases and then appeal properly, they would probably pick up 2 or 3 outs per game.