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: [email protected] your own situation, question, or report you want featured on The Pregame?➡️ Send it to [email protected] — 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).

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 [email protected] to get started and help us build the future of umpire education.Thumbnail Courtesy Minda Haas Kuhlmann via Flickr

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 [email protected] 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: [email protected] — We’d love your support.

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 warnings
• The danger of skipping steps between ignore and eject
• Why “shut up” is a credibility killer
• When to intervene for your partner
• Tactical 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.

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.

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!

In this episode ofUmpire Classroom, Patrick Faerber sits down with NCAA Division 1 umpire Frank Barlow to discuss game management, working with coaches, and the importance of professionalism on the field. Frank shares his journey from officiating in Japan to calling games at the highest levels of college baseball. They break down key strategies for handling heated situations, the role of non-calling umpires in crew consultations, and how adopting preventive officiating techniques can reduce ejections. They also explore rule differences across levels, including the experimental delayed dead ball balk and the implementation of the double first base. Whether you're a new umpire or a veteran looking to refine your approach, this conversation is packed with insights to help you manage the game effectively.

🔹 The secret to managing tough coach interactions
🔹 How umpires can use crew consultations to prevent ejections
🔹 The evolving landscape of college umpiring and how it impacts lower levels

Subscribe and leave a review to help more umpires find this content!

Welcome to another episode of the Umpire Classroom Podcast! In this special installment, I sit down with my friend, Bill Ward—a high school and collegiate umpire from Alabama, known for his facebook alias, Bama Umpire. We tackle some of the top questions submitted by listeners, covering crucial NFHS baseball rules and scenarios.

Join us for an incredible conversation with George Drouches, NCAA National Coordinator of Baseball Umpires!

In this episode, George shares his journey in sports officiating, insights into the evolution of college baseball umpiring, and the NCAA’s initiatives to elevate the profession. We discuss mentorship, pathways for new umpires, and the NCAA’s Prospect Camp as a gateway for those aspiring to break into collegiate baseball.

📘 Must-Have Resource for Umpires: Get the 2025-2026 NCAA Baseball Rules Study Guide at store.referee.com and use promo code "CALLIT" for a discount!

In this episode, we’re kicking off 2025 with a detailed preview of what’s coming to Umpire Classroom and Referee Magazine this month. From NFHS baseball rules changes to mechanics breakdowns and exciting new guest segments, this is your ultimate guide to starting the year right as an umpire.

🔗 Important Links:

🎥 What’s New This Month on Umpire Classroom: - First Video Drop of 2025: Friday, January 3rd - Topics for the month include:

📢 Fan Participation:

✨ Special Announcements:

📸 Cover photo courtesy of Lance Rößner: https://www.lanceroessner.de/home #UmpireClassroom #ThePregamePodcast #BaseballUmpires #NFHSBaseball #UmpireTraining #RefereeMagazine