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Online now: 7 members: 3_SoftballFreak, Coach5, Dave07, LC7, Steve83, TABLE SETTER 11, ronniealvarado#7; 92 anonymousDiscussion: Umpire Etiquette
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| Aug. 18, 2018 Wayne 37 Men's 65 773 posts | Umpire Etiquette I would like to start off by saying I will always enforce a rule that is written correctly. On the other hand, a rule that is incorrectly written, I will enforce correctly. I've had a couple of instances in boys select baseball where protests were filed during the tournament. I just had to point out the other areas of the rule book where my ruling was correct and didn't correlate with a rule as written. I believe I have repeatedly proven my point on several occasions as to that. There are a couple of people I would love to see handle a batting out of order on the field without access to a rule book unlike here on the Internet. Now that that is out of the way, here goes. Quick history lesson and somewhat pertaining to the subject of etiquette. Two of the things you can't buy on the Internet are experience and judgement. I've worked HS playoff games that were four games into the rounds of the playoffs (regional final and best two out of three series to determine which school would appear in the Final Four of the state tournament). This was only my second year working the HS level. Coaches get to pick umpires in the playoffs most of the time. The one that wanted me very badly didn't know I was only in my second year. He chose me because I had worked a few of their games during the last two regular seasons and one game of their opponents. Needless to say I was very shocked and humbled in my selection. The reason I was selected was because of the way I presented myself prior on the field during their games I officiated. I dressed sharp and I hustled. I also did very well in making my calls in the field and behind the plate. Both opposing coaches were very surprised when they found out how little time on the field I had. The real point I'm trying to make is, don't dismiss someone who you feel superior to because you've done this for "so many years". I don't mind having discussions and sharing the experiences I had gained over my years. Talking down to someone only validates my belief in some people that they can't learn anything new because they think they know it all. I don't go around telling people I don't agree with that they aren't worthy of stepping on the field with me. I would rather step on the field with someone who comes prepared, looks the part, hustles and is willing to learn. I like to talk before and after the game in the parking lot and go over things. When I worked with a more experienced partner, I would always ask is there something you saw that I need to improve on. I don't want be on the field with someone whose shirt tail is hanging halfway down to their knees, hat turned around backward and shoes that look like they've just mowed the yard in them. Another item to address is not to poach your partner's call. Too often a team that feels offended will immediately yell to ask your partner. I've seen on occasions where the umpire who didn't make the original call start walking out to the umpire that made the call. That is a big DON'T DO THAT! Now it is perfectly proper to have a little signal alerting them you have something for them if they want it. Unless the umpire that made the call wants your help let them come to you. Tell them what you have. It is their decision to change the call or not. I don't care how crappy your partner is either. DO NOT bad mouth them to other umpires. It is perfectly okay to relay information to what to expect when asked, but don't out of your way to do it. AND NEVER EVER especially to players and coaches. I'm willing to bet there are a couple of posters out there that do this all behind their partners back as seen they deem others incompetent due to their perceived superior umpiring skills. No need to make umpiring a competition. It is good to talk between innings to your partner to get on the same page with certain things if necessary. Be verbal out there and let your partner know if you're rotating to cover a base. I don't know softball rotations, but in baseball verbal communication is very key. There are other things I didn't touch on, but at the end of the game, walk off the field knowing you gave it your best effort. |
| Aug. 18, 2018 Garocket Men's 55 259 posts | WOW |
