Game Time Management- ways to keep a game flowing and not add extra time to a game without looking hurried.
This is what I review within our assoc, and in the new umpires class:
PREGAME- get there early enough to gear up, discuss issues w/pard, check field/equip, plate conference, and start on time - Can save.................5-10min
Keep Them in Batters Box- average 300 pitches/game, estimate half are called balls/strikes x 10-15 sec with letting batter move out of box........10-15min
Clean Plate- at normal game pauses(1/2 inning starts, after a score, before batter enters box,
instead of calling time and stopping play (if possible) ..................................3-5 min
Limit Calling Time-i.e. batter raising hand after a baseplay, talking to coach on non pressing items(wait till inning end)..................5 min
Foul Balls- dont wait for F7/F9 to chase down a grounded foulball up against the fence- Yell "Let it go", hand F2 a new one, let a dugout player get it. Also, let the on deck batter get the foul balls behind you.................................3-5 min
Keep a Good Supply of Balls- dont wait for home coach to find new ones- check at ea inning end (and dont ask for "new balls"!!)................3-5 min
Coach Q's/Complaints- within reason, limit amount of time discussing issues. I believe in "trying" not to say more more than 6 words at a time- limits the ammo we give coaches to come back at us (I believe in being approachable/friendly)....3-5 min
Conferences- make sure they dont go long.....1-3 min
Total possible time saved.........50-65 min
Staying aware and in control of the game keeps it flowing, and you dont look rushed. Time saved could mean full games played vs short games due to Spring darkness.....which then means our decision to end = 1 coach is upset....