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1
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2
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- After years of analyzing the outcome of baseball arguments, we’ve come
up with a few suggestions that will offer a clear perspective on the
subject.
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3
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- Many baseball coaches that we encounter have had their ‘time in the sun’
as either minor league players or coaches and now take the field as
Little League, Babe Ruth, American Legion or High School coaches. These
coaches will, for whatever reason, let you know about their experience
by routinely challenging our calls, positioning and judgment.
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4
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- You’re not the first umpire they’ve ever seen. Remember, hustle,
consistency and punctuality are the key elements most coaches and
players hold in high regard.
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5
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- Coaches and players can only assume if you’re a good umpire. You
actually prove yourself starting by the way you approach the field. This
approach is called comportment. They will notice everything, how you
dress, walk, talk, laugh, stand and then evaluate your skills mentally.
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6
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- A truly great umpire walks a fine line between keeping the game under
control and not escalating situations with an over aggressive or
arrogant demeanor.
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7
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- Umpires should always remain calm, tactful, fair, firm and impartial.
This is not an easy task considering the ‘opponents’ will try to make
you feel like you’re doing a terrible job.
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8
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- We are expected to understand that although we are not the game, we are
a vital part of the contest. We are expected to be able to sort out
complex situations and not hesitate to make unpopular decisions. This is
not an easy task.
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9
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- We should never ignore the little things that might, in time, become a
big control problem. We must behave in a very non-aggressive,
cool-headed, even-tempered manner. When the big situations arise, we
must stay above the emotional skirmish and never lower ourselves to
their negative and highly excited tirade. As long as discussions between
yourself and the coaches are reasonable and non-emotional, we shall
listen.
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10
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- Remember a coach will exhaust his argument after 20 seconds. At that time, just ask him to settle
down and you will continue with your explanation of the decision.
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11
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- Our job is to get the call(s) right; asking for help is not a bad
gesture if you are not 100 percent sure of what you saw.
- Even the best umpires kick a few, but it’s how they recover that makes
them great.
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12
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- Always ask for help immediately before making the call; this shows
everyone that you’re in control of any misjudgment on your part. If a
coach is vehement about your ‘bad’ decision and demands that you ask for
help on a rule misinterpretation, then by all means call your partner in
for a clarification. Being well distanced from the coaches and players
is the best. If you then feel as if a reversal is in order, then you,
not your partner, must make that decision.
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13
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- Most importantly, never make sarcastic remarks, use profanity and insist
on having the last word, another difficult task for some of us.
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14
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15
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- A good plate umpire should know when to issue stern bench warnings as he
witnesses certain events.
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16
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- For example: Batter hits a homer and the next batter hits a double and
the next hits another homer, watch the pitchers frustration. If he
throws the next pitch high and inside to intimidate the batter, then
immediately call time, step in front of the plate and issue the sternest
of warnings to both benches. The written rule clearly states the
severity of these actions.
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17
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- Rule 8.02(d) Intentionally Pitch at the Batter. If, in the umpire's
judgment, such a violation occurs, the umpire may elect either to:
- 1. Expel the pitcher, or the manager and the pitcher, from the game.
- 2. May warn the pitcher and the manager of both teams that another such
pitch will result in the immediate expulsion of that pitcher (or a
replacement) and the manager.
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18
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- If, in the umpire's judgment, and circumstances warrant, both teams may
be officially "warned" prior to the game or at any time during
the game. (League Presidents may take additional action under authority
provided in Rule 9.05).
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19
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- To pitch at a batter's head is unsportsmanlike and highly dangerous. It
is condemned by everybody in the sport of baseball. Umpires should act
without hesitation in enforcement of this rule.
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20
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- Defusing the situation is much better than waiting for the benches to
clear. Coaches will respect the umpire who can foresee these
circumstances even though he, the coach, might have instigated the
negative actions.
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21
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- Umpires should stay far away enough to observe and identify the
participants.
- DO NOT TRY TO STOP THE FIGHT YOURSELF.
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Notes
