The following is a typical pre-game conference dialog that I used during
the 1998 season. Please remember this is the way I do it and not necessarily the
way other members do it. You will be the best judge of what you want to include
in the discussion. (Note: This dialog assumes a Williamsport Little League -
Major Division Game)
 
Umpire: Hello managers my name
is Dave Mekelburg from the American Federation of Umpires. Number
109.
Manager A: Hello.
Manager B: Hello.

 
Umpire: This is a Williamsport Little League
Game - Major Division. Is this correct? (Note: Remember not all our games are
Williamsport nor major division.)
Manager A: Yes.
Manager B:
Yes.

 
Umpire: Managers. Are all your players
properly equipped to play under the rules?
Manager A: Yes.
Manager B:
Yes.

 
Umpire: Managers. What are the local ground
rules for this field?
(Here we discuss the the local ground rules including
dead ball areas, movable bases, over hanging trees, obstacles etc.)
Umpire:
Managers. Do you both understand the ground rules?
Manager A: Yes.
Manager
B: Yes.

 
Umpire: I would now like to cover a couple
of things that may happen during the game.
 
   1) The slide or avoid rule: A fielder with the
ball waiting to make a tag, the runner has three options:

•   give himself up by accepting the
  tag.
  
•   avoid the tag without going out of the
  baseline.
  
• slide (feet first to a forward
  base).

Malicious contact  will result in ejection.

  2) There is NO on-deck batter in Little League.
The only player allowed to have a bat in their hands is the current
batter.

  3) I will not tolerate:
         *    Profanity
         *    Throwing equipment in anger
 
   4) If a bat is thrown because of bad mechanics
I will warn the batter before taking any other action.
 
Managers, do you understand these
rules?
Manager A: Yes.
Manager B: Yes.
 
Umpire: Managers. Are there any local rules
that I should know about?
(Here is a discussion of the local rules. Both
managers must agree to the local rules to use them. In case of a dispute use
your best judgment. In my experience almost anything is possible
here.)
Umpire : Are these all your local rules?
Manager A: Yes.
Manager
B: Yes.
Umpire: All other decisions will be made according to the rule book.
OK?
Manager A: Yes.
Manager B: Yes.

Umpire: Managers. Are there any
questions?
(Here also anything is possible. Do not get into lengthy rules
discussions at this point. The game is ready to start.)

Umpire: Managers good luck and let's PLAY
BALL.

That's it. Not too long and I cover all the
things I wanted to. If there are other things you want to cover just put them
in. Remember game control starts the minute you walk on the field. I used this
dialog and it works.

And remember, HAVE FUN!!!!