From the Locker Room to the First Pitch
The moment the umpires arrive on a field, opinions are being formed. The way in which you walk from the locker room (or car) projects a certain image. Walk confidently to the plate area with your head up as coaches will instantly begin to observe you. At the pregame plate meeting, what kind of atmosphere do you want to create? Do you talk too much? Are you "respectfully courteous" to the coaches?
Let the home coach go over the ground rules. It is always a good idea to start behind the plate area and address any openings or breaks in the backstop/screen. Continue down the third-base line, to the outfield fence and back around to the first-base side of the playing field. Make sure everyone is on the same page as to how the dugouts are going to be played, etc. If the level requires it, ask if the suspended game rule is in effect.
When the coaches depart and it's time for the national anthem, what do you look like? Are you projecting an image that will command respect once the game begins?
According to the PBUC manual, there is specific protocol for the umpires to follow during the anthem:
"Heads are to be erect, facing the flag (not lowered facing the ground), and there is to be absolutely no talking, laughing, spitting or chewing during the playing of the national anthem."
Nothing sets a worse tone than umpires who are disrespectful during the anthem. Players' behavior might not be ideal during that time, but more is always expected from the umpires.
After the anthem, the base umpire(s) usually taps the plate umpire on the chest before briskly jogging to a position in short right field (or short left field for U3 in a three-umpire system). Use those few minutes before the game wisely. Note the arm strength of the infielders. Take a few plays on the dirt and read the throws from each of the infielders. Note how much foul territory there is. Are there any overhanging trees that could come into play? Be aware of any strong winds or if the sun could adversely affect the fielders (or yourself).
If you have the plate, use pregame time wisely as well. Introduce yourself to the catcher. Again, the intention isn't to create a running dialogue, but the catcher can help you prevent issues that might arise later on.
Put on your mask and take some warm-up pitches. Develop a system that works for you. For example: take two pitches on the right side, two on the left and let the pitcher know when he/she has two warm-ups remaining.
Finally, it's time for the fun to begin. A firm point with the right index finger and strong voice announcing, "Play" does the trick.