Catchers Code of Conduct - DFP Version

I thought this might be fun...

Catcher's Code of Conduct - post your ideas for the responsibilities, must-dos, and ethical standards for catchers. As they are submitted, I will compile them into one list in post #2 of the thread. Suggestions for amendments or exceptions to previously posted items are welcome.

1. Catcher's #1 top-priority responsibility, above all else...CATCH THE BALL.
2. A catcher is a leader - Be vocal. Be inspiring.
3. A catcher shall pack her own bag and haul her own gear. (Exception - Minor assistance may be granted for 8U players.)
4. Be your pitcher's quiet advocate with the umpire...and protect the umpire!
5. Throw the ball. Don't play chicken with the runners. THROW THE BALL! You will get better, your infielders will get better and the runners will get cautious.
6. It's not your job to turn balls into strikes, make sure you don't turn strikes into balls. KEEP STRIKES LOOKING LIKE STRIKES!
7. Always compliment the batter's swing and ask if they have a favorite pitch they'd like thrown to them.
8. Don't complain about the umpire. Do share information on his tendencies with your teammates in a constructive way.
9. Learn the game.
10. Be aware and understand the situation on the field.
11. Work hard at your craft.
12. Control the pace of the game.
13. Always maintain a positive attitude.
14. Never irritate/show up the umpire.
15. Be both mentally and physically tough.
16. Know your pitchers and keep them in rhythm. Being a novice psychotherapist can often help with this.
17. Good catchers know how to give "praise sandwiches" to the pitcher. (Tell them they are doing good. Get after them for a mistake. Tell them something positive before leaving the circle.)
18. Know the strike zone (it's different for different sized batters)...yes it's different per umpire, but that's another learned skill. If the pitch call is low, set up just below the knees for that batter.
19. Know what is meant for called pitches (is inside, just a little inside or on the black...is off the plate, just off or 6" off).
20. Know how to set up...not too early (batter can sneak a peak) and not too late.
21. Stay down, even with runners on, until you catch the ball. Popping up too early can turn strikes into balls (see #6).
22. Learn the nuances of catcher-umpire relationships. Some umpires like a running dialogue with the catcher...learn to play that game...it does help sometimes...it's life.
23. Beginning of game, make eye contact with the umpire and introduce yourself...shake hands. Break the ice. Establish camaraderie with Ump. In most cases, they are most likely to communicate with about pitch calls and strike zone.
24. Lead by example, whether it's respecting your equipment, the umpire, teammates or working hard in practice
25. Be accountable to your teammates, coaches and most importantly yourself. This will foster selflessness among the team
26. Have integrity, do what's right even when no one is looking. We all know someone is still most likely looking. This goes for holding your teammates to that same standard
27. Be a grinder, in game 6 when it's hot the outfielders might not rotate and infielders gloves might not be in the dirt on every play, but the catcher must block, throw, squat, frame and direct. Just keep grinding.
28. Be ok with making mistakes. Catchers who are afraid to make decisions are going to slow the growth of the team.
29. Be a wall. Not just with blocking but with everything. Don't let the bad calls, coaches yelling, pitchers attitude and parents show on your face. The face must not change, just be a wall for your team.
30. Never - no matter how much the batter/baserunner may have baited, irritated, cheated, beat the catcher in a play, whatever - should a catcher pound the player's head into the ground on a tagout at home.
31. Always know the pitch count. Ask the ump if you don't.
32. Always ask the home plate ump request help on a possible swing.
33. Loudly call out the outs and play before each batter or after a delay / time out.
34. Try to know where you are in the opposing teams batting order - announce tendencies: power, speed, bunt, slap, etc.
35. Everyone knows you are tired / frustrated, but don't ever let it look like you are.
36. When the ball is in play LEAVE YOUR HELMET ON!
37. Clean, inspect and care for your gear. You are a warrior who voluntarily takes a beating and you need to know you have your armor and implements in good clean working order. Blow it off, brush it off, and clean it up. Four games on a Saturday afternoon is no excuse to not take care of your gear...especially if mom and dad foot the bill.

4) Be your pitcher's quiet advocate with the umpire-- and protect the umpire!

5) Throw the ball. Don't play chicken with the runners. THROW THE BALL. You will get better, your infielders will get better and the runners will get cautious.
I would rather have a catcher I have to reign in some than one who won't throw the ball.

It's not your job to turn balls into strikes, make sure you don't turn strikes into balls.

Always compliment the batter's swing and ask if they have a favorite pitch they'd like thrown to them.

Don't complain about the umpire. Do share information on his tendencies with your teammates in a constructive way.

Learn the game.
Be aware and understand the situation on the field.
Work hard at your craft.
Control the pace of the game.
Always maintain a positive attitude.
Never irritate/show up the umpire.
Be both mentally and physically tough.
Know your pitchers.

Good catchers know how to give "praise sandwiches" to the pitcher. (Tell them they are doing good. Get after them for a mistake. Tell them something positive before leaving the circle.)

Know the strike zone (it's different for different sized batters)...yes it's different per umpire, but that's another learned skill. If the pitch call is low, set up just below the knees for that batter.

Know what is meant for called pitches (is inside, just a little inside or on the black...is off the plate, just off or 6" off).

Know how to set up...not too early (batter can sneak a peak) and not too late.

Stay down, even with runners on, until you catch the ball. Popping up too early can turn strikes into balls (see knightsb above).

Learn the nuances of catcher-umpire relationships. Some umpires like a running dialogue with the catcher...learn to play that game...it does help sometimes...it's life.