The Pregame: An Umpire Classroom Podcast

Umpire Classroom
  • 4.8 (22)
  • BASEBALL
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

"The Pregame: An Umpire Classroom Podcast" is your essential audio playbook before stepping onto the field. In each episode, we delve deep into the nuances of baseball rules, share expert tips on making accurate calls, and discuss strategies to handle challenging situations, ensuring you're always game-ready. Join us to enhance your umpiring skills, build confidence behind the plate, and become part of a community dedicated to mastering the art of umpiring with every pitch.

  1. MAR 13

    A Week in High School Baseball: Rules, Management, and One Ejection

    High school baseball gives umpires a steady stream of situations that challenge both our rules knowledge and our game management. In this episode of The Pregame, I break down three recent high school games I worked over the course of a few days. Each game brought a different set of lessons, from partner communication and positioning to rules interpretations and managing coaches when tensions start to rise. We walk through several interesting moments that came up during those games, including some subtle rules questions, the importance of clear communication with your partner, and how small situations early in a game can influence how things develop later. The final game of the stretch eventually resulted in an ejection, which gave me the opportunity to walk through how situations escalate, how warnings and restrictions fit into the process, and what a clear, effective ejection report should look like. These are the kinds of moments that make umpiring both challenging and rewarding, and they provide great learning opportunities for anyone working high school baseball. If you want to read along with the report discussed near the end of the episode, you can view a redacted version of the ejection report here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cfqbEvnlDokSbqjUTXVI0GRUNjCnpmvGDWDTT5c0kSw/edit?usp=drive_link Topics covered in this episode include: • Working with a partner you’ve never worked with before • Communication and crew dynamics • Interesting rules situations that came up during the games • Managing coaches and keeping a game under control • How situations escalate toward an ejection • What makes an effective ejection report If you're serious about officiating, membership in the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) is one of the best investments you can make. NASO provides education, protection, and advocacy for officials at every level. Join NASO at a discounted rate here: https://join.naso.org/NAS/?f=DISCAFF&S=C25PFN Umpire Classroom provides high-quality, on-demand training for baseball umpires at all levels. From new officials just starting out to experienced veterans looking to sharpen their skills, we deliver clear instruction, real-game analysis, and practical tips to help you succeed on the field. Learn more and join our community at https://www.UmpireClassroom.com We do not own the rights to the game footage used in this video. All clips are used under fair use for educational purposes to improve officiating knowledge and contribute to the baseball and umpire community — a community that is often under-appreciated and underserved in training resources. This video and channel are not sponsored or endorsed by Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), or the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).

    42 min

  2. MAR 5

    Sharpened by the Game: The Umpire, the Katana, and Professionalism

    In this episode of The Pregame, Patrick Faerber checks in for the first time in March as the baseball season gets underway. With basketball season wrapping up, the focus now shifts fully to baseball and getting ready for another year on the field. Patrick also shares updates on new educational content coming out through Referee Magazine, including a new series of one-page mechanics resources designed to be practical tools that officials can save and reference throughout the season. Upcoming topics include the National Anthem mechanics and a breakdown of touches, tag-ups, and responsibilities, complete with custom mechanics diagrams. The episode also previews several articles from the March issue of Referee, including: • Who’s Got Third? – A discussion of two different mechanics used in a two-umpire system when a play may develop at third base.• Sharpened by the Game – A conversation about developing professionalism and presence on the field.• When Can a Runner Help a Teammate? – A rules deep dive that led to a new NCAA interpretation and highlights a gap that may eventually lead to further rule clarification. Patrick also sits down with Alan Paul, one of Referee Magazine’s newest contributors, to discuss professionalism, preparation, and how officials continue improving through experience. This podcast is supported by the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO). NASO membership includes: • A subscription to Referee Magazine• Digital access to the magazine through the NASO app• Educational resources for officials in multiple sports• Advocacy and support for the officiating profession Join NASO at a discounted rate using the link below: 👉 https://join.naso.org/NAS/?f=DISCAFF&S=C25PFN If you have rules questions, situations you'd like discussed, or ideas for future content, feel free to reach out anytime. 📧 patrick@umpireclassroom.com About Umpire ClassroomUmpire Classroom provides high-quality, on-demand training for baseball umpires at all levels. From new officials just starting out to experienced veterans looking to sharpen their skills, we deliver clear instruction, real-game analysis, and practical tips to help you succeed on the field. Learn more and join our community at https://www.umpireclassroom.com. Fair Use DisclaimerWe do not own the rights to the game footage used in our videos. All clips are used under fair use for educational purposes to improve officiating knowledge and contribute to the baseball and umpire community — a community that is often underappreciated and underserved in training resources. This channel and its content are not sponsored or endorsed by Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), or the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). Join NASO (Discounted Membership)Questions or Content Ideas

    45 min

  3. 08/29/2025

    Umpire Mailbag: Real Ejection Reports & Tough Rule Scenarios - The Pregame - A UC Podcast

    Welcome back to The Pregame!In this Mailbag Episode , we dig into your emails and break down real-life situations from the field:⚾ Connor – Ejection report and what could make it stronger📋 Gary – Question about 10-batter lineups and DH rules🧤 Brad – Catcher’s obstruction without a swing👀 Mark – Tricky interference plays at the plateThis episode is sponsored by Diamond MMA and Umpire Classroom’s 2026 Preseason Course.👉 Returning umpires deserve better. Too often, associations run the same rookie-focused training year after year, leaving veterans unchallenged and unmotivated. That’s why we built Umpire Classroom:💻 Online, on-demand training, updated every season🎯 Engaging and practical, built for real-game situations🙌 Free for associations to implement💰 Cheaper than mileage to meetings — and tax-deductibleRespect your members. Modernize your training.🌐 Learn more: https://www.umpireclassroom.com📩 Email Patrick with your questions: patrick@umpireclassroom.comHave your own situation, question, or report you want featured on The Pregame?➡️ Send it to patrick@umpireclassroom.com — your question might make it into the next Mailbag!About Umpire ClassroomUmpire Classroom provides high-quality, on-demand training for baseball umpires at all levels. From new officials just starting out to experienced veterans looking to sharpen their skills, we deliver clear instruction, real-game analysis, and practical tips to help you succeed on the field. Learn more and join our community at https://www.umpireclassroom.comFair Use DisclaimerWe do not own the rights to the game footage used in this video. All clips are used under fair use for educational purposes to improve officiating knowledge and contribute to the baseball and umpire community. This video and channel are not sponsored or endorsed by Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), or the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).

    19 min

  4. 08/21/2025

    Transforming Umpire Education: Mailbag Q&A and What’s Coming in 2026 - The Pregame Podcast

    In this Pregame episode, Patrick answers your mailbag questions—covering everything from pitcher reentry to handling unruly fans—and shares insights on some of the toughest game management situations umpires face.But more importantly, we’re looking ahead: the 2026 Preseason Course is being built now, and we need organizations who are ready to help us change the way umpire education is done. Traditional meetings aren’t cutting it anymore—umpires deserve training that is modern, flexible, and effective.If your state or association wants to be part of this change, reach out. We can give you access to the 2025 course so you can see how it works before rolling into 2026.📩 Interested? Email patrick@umpireclassroom.com to get started and help us build the future of umpire education.Thumbnail Courtesy Minda Haas Kuhlmann via Flickr

    24 min

  5. 05/22/2025

    Inside the Baseball Rules Committee: A Conversation with Umpire Rep. Bob Leader - The Pregame

    In this episode of The Pregame, Patrick sits down with Bob Leader, veteran umpire and current official's representative on the NFHS Baseball Rules Committee, to break down what’s being considered for the 2026 season. From delayed dead balls to double first bases, player-to-player communication, malicious contact, and more—this is your inside look at how rules are proposed, debated, and decided.📬 Action Item #1: Bob wants your feedback! If you have thoughts on the proposed rule changes, email him at bleader5@icloud.com before June 2025—after that, he’s off the committee, so don’t clog his inbox with late opinions!🛡️ Action Item #2: This episode is presented by Diamond MMA—makers of the jock and cup I (Patrick) personally wear behind the plate. It’s hands-down the most comfortable and protective gear I’ve used. Try it for yourself and support Umpire Classroom by shopping through this link: https://www.diamondmma.com/umpireclassroom📢 Want to sponsor a future episode of Umpire Classroom—whether it’s the podcast, weekly rules training, or something else?Email: patrick@umpireclassroom.com — We’d love your support.

    45 min

  6. 05/01/2025

    Credibility in Chaos: Lessons from a Playoff Pressure Cooker - The Pregame: A UC Podcast

    In this episode, Patrick Faerber and Todd discuss one of the wildest second-round playoff series of the GHSA baseball season—and all the lessons it offered for umpires. From check swings to emotional coaches, and even a "shut up" that nearly derailed everything, they break down every key moment and decision from both games. They explore how to manage volatile coaches without losing control, when to ask for help (and when not to), and why your "relationship bank account" with a coach matters more than you'd think. You’ll also hear tips on dealing with bat flips, unsportsmanlike taunts, and how to de-escalate without compromising your credibility. Whether you're a new umpire, a playoff veteran, or just love the chess match of officiating under pressure, this episode is packed with takeaways you can use on the field tomorrow. 🧠 Big takeaways: Barking back without warningsThe danger of skipping steps between ignore and ejectWhy “shut up” is a credibility killerWhen to intervene for your partnerTactical crew chiefing in high-stakes games🔗 Mentioned in the episode: Umpire Classroom GHSA Umpire Development The power of postgame locker room reflection 📣 Coaches. Fans. Ejections. Credibility. If you've ever said "this game is getting away from us"—you need to hear this.

    1h 10m

  7. 04/22/2025

    Rule Changes, Bench Jockeys & Pine Tar: Breaking Down the 2025 NFHS Baseball Rules Questionnaire

    The 2025 NFHS Baseball Rules Questionnaire is out — and this episode breaks it all down. Patrick walks through the most talked-about rule changes, the most controversial survey items, and gives honest feedback on what’s working… and what’s really not. From pace of play concerns and expanded use of tech, to the ongoing dugout drama of bench jockeying and how much eye black is too much — nothing is off-limits in this review. 📊 Have your voice heard! Take the official NFHS Rules Survey before it closes on April 29th, 2025:👉 https://www.nfhs.org/sports-resource-content/nfhs-sport-questionnaires Some of the most debated issues covered: Should we allow coach-to-pitcher communication devices? Is it time for a double first base to fix the runner’s lane mess? Do we need less severe penalties than ejections for players dropping an F-bomb? Should protective gear be removed at second base… or stay on? And why stopwatches might be the secret weapon to fixing slow games. Plus, Patrick gets real on why enforcing a pitching position rule isn’t hard (and why declaring "set or windup" is a waste of time), and gives you his take on the real reasons behind some of these proposed changes. ⚾ Whether you're an umpire, coach, or just a rules nerd — this is the episode you don’t want to miss. Drop your comments, argue your point, and most importantly — fill out that survey before it’s too late.

    32 min

  8. 02/19/2025

    Mastering the Rulebook with Jesse Fagan

    In this episode of The Pregame by Umpire Classroom, Patrick Faerber sits down with Jesse Fagan, a seasoned umpire and recent Referee Magazine contributor, to talk about the nuances of umpiring across different rule sets. They break down the critical differences between NFHS, NCAA, OBR, and Little League, and why umpires must be adaptable when switching between them. They also discuss:🔹 Why rule knowledge separates top umpires from the rest🔹 How assigning and mentorship impact umpire development🔹 The challenges of enforcing "park rules" and inconsistent modifications🔹 Why delayed dead ball balks might be the future of high school baseball This episode is a must-listen for new and veteran umpires alike who want to elevate their game through better rule understanding and game management. Whether you're working high school, college, or travel ball, Jesse and Patrick break down practical strategies to help you manage situations effectively, communicate better with coaches, and avoid common pitfalls on the field. Must-Watch Related Videos:📌 Ejections 101 → https://youtu.be/l0GhDhfzbfw📌 5 Steps of an Ejection → https://youtu.be/kOMTNKJ4LR4 👉 Subscribe to Umpire Classroom for more training content!

    1 hr
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

"The Pregame: An Umpire Classroom Podcast" is your essential audio playbook before stepping onto the field. In each episode, we delve deep into the nuances of baseball rules, share expert tips on making accurate calls, and discuss strategies to handle challenging situations, ensuring you're always game-ready. Join us to enhance your umpiring skills, build confidence behind the plate, and become part of a community dedicated to mastering the art of umpiring with every pitch.

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