Plate Talk

Last meeting in the Rookie Room we did discuss this. But putting down in writing will give all rookies something to look at as a reminder.

1. Ten minutes prior begin heading to field for inspection
2. Bat and Helmets Inspection
3. Talk
4. Lineups
5. Ground Rules
6. Dugouts
7. Legally and Properly Equipped
8.First Aid

When should we start the plate talk?
The plate talk occurs after both teams have taken infield. Under no circumstances may the plate talk occur off to the side while ANY activity is happening on the field. As you and you partner enter the field together you should go inspect bats and helmets of each team. Also be sure to receive your baseballs for the game at this time.

What do you mean inspect bats and helmets?
When going to the dugouts the bats and helmets should already be available to inspect. If not ask someone for help getting out to you. Look for defects in the helmets. Mostly these will be cracks. Once a helmet is cracked it is not allowed to be used. They cannot simply use tape or anything else to repair it. Each helmet should have a NOCSAE mark certifying it. That should not be a problem since all helmets commercially used are certified this way. Each bat should be labeled with a silkscreen or permanent BESR certification mark. No BESR label, sticker or decal will be accepted. It needs to be permanent. If something doesn't meet standards and is deemed illegal take it to the coach and inform him so.

The Plate Talk
The plate umpire takes charge of the meeting. He is facing the mound while the base umpire is facing him on the opposite side of the plate. Each coach will stand opposing each other on the left and right. Introduce yourselves to the coaches and shake hands. From here the home plate umpire will run the discussion. The base umpire is a silent observer.

Take the home teams lineup first, then the visitors. Inspect each lineup card and then separate the cards if attached and give them to each coach. While inspecting verify with each coach if they are using a DH or not, who they are hitting for and where in the order he is batting. Example, "Coach, Smith will be DHing for Bruyns in the 7th spot". Or "coach straight nine today, great". Also be sure to verify that there are not any duplicate numbers.

Ground Rules
Ask the home coach to give you the ground rules. "Coach, will you please take us around?". Simple huh? He should proceed to discuss the ground rules. Be sure to have him start at a spot and go around from there. Try to not let them start and just jump from spot to spot. Make if fluid and not confusing. The ground rules should be legal and not against anything in the rulebook. If the visiting coach doesn't agree with a ground rule the home plate umpire shall make final ruling. Discuss the ground rules with the coach if unclear.

Dugouts
Remind both coaches to have all equipment and everyone, include themselves to remain inside the dugout. Especially buckets. If they choose to sit on a bucket, every bit of themselves must be inside that dugout.

On Deck
Only one on deck batter at a time. They must stay on their side of the field. If a pitcher is warming up during at inning, again they must do the same as above. Never let a batter swing close to the home plate cutout while a pitcher is warming up. Move the kid back to the on deck circle.

Equipment and First Aid
Ask both coaches and be sure to get a yes from them on being properly equipped. Example, "are all players legally and properly equiped"?

Also be sure that there is a blood spill kit available. Example, "Coach, do you have a blood kit or athletic trainer available"? (If the athletic trainer is on the bench that fine but if roaming around to other games be sure the blood kit is on site so in case of blood it can be taken care of instead of waiting for the AT to arrive).

Lastly ask you partner is there is anything to add. You may have forgotten something.

That's it, in a long drawn out nutshell. Also if I forgot anything please comment. Thanks

Good luck!