This article includes topics taken from the CCA Manual for Post-game

The post-game starts before the game is over.

• Create a checklist similar to your pre-game checklist.
• Umpires should have as part of their accessories a small pad and pen to take notes during the game. This is as important as your indicator, brush, etc.
• When taking notes, be careful that it does not keep you from handling your between-inning responsibilities – counting the warm-up pitches, watching the teams for their between-inning activities, keeping alert to other situations or problems on the field.

After the last out

• • If there is an assigned person to deliver softballs to the umpire during the game, all remaining softballs should be handed to that person before leaving the field at its conclusion. .
• Otherwise the plate umpire should hand the remaining softballs to the game management staff, place them near the dugout or ball return, or simply take them to the locker room.
• Do not drop the balls at home plate or toss/roll/throw them toward the dugout or backstop.
• Remain alert for possible appeals or protests that could still be legally made.
• Do not listen to or answer any comments from coaches, unless they meet the requirements for a post-game ejection
• Do not engage in crew congratulations or handshakes until you are off the field and away from public observation.
• Leave as a crew; no umpire leaves the field until all umpire are together at the exit point.
• Use the most convenient route to the umpire area; avoid mingling or moving through student-athletes
• If you have reason to believe that following the most convenient exit from the field would lead to an altercation or subject the crew to undesirable comments, then use a different route.
• Do not congratulate any coach or team members.

Umpire Post-Game

Once the crew is away from, and out of earshot, of the public, have a thorough post-game review before checking phone messages. Things to consider during the post-game discussion: 1) Be honest with each other. 2) No derision or overly critical comments

Post-game discussion

• The plate umpire leads the discussion.
• If an observer is present, the observer should wait for the crew to finish their discussion unless asked to contribute.
• The base umpire goes next. In a 3-umpire game, U1 follows the plate umpire, then U3
• Cover these topics in this order:
– Things that went well or we did well in the game.
– Anything unusual, vague or confusing that happened.
• Look up any questions concerning rules or mechanics that came up during the game.
• How well did we follow what we talked about in the pregame?
• Where could we improve, or do things differently?

Leaving the Game Site together

• If the game was tense and coaches, players or fans were upset, the crew must stay together.
• Leave at the same time from the parking lot.

When you get home

• Reflect on the game and have an honest “self post-game”
• Note the things you did exceptionally well that might have gone unnoticed. Use them as positive reinforcements.
• How did you do on the “things you am working on”?
• What areas need improvement? Be honest!! Use them as.challenges
• What exactly do you need to do to not allow it to happen again?
• Keep a log and write something down for every game you work.
• Take from every game something that will strengthen your personal umpiring skills.

Game Reports:

Plate umpires are responsible for submitting game reports within 24 hours of your contest. Click on the red highlighted “R” in the notes section on your schedule in the Arbiter. Game Reports are a must and are valuable information to the Assigners.

You will find a Game Report Template on this Locker Room in the Protocols Corner, Responsibilities article. Copy and paste the questions from this Template into your Arbiter game report, and then complete the information as appropriate.