Senior Umpires - Making the Transition to Little Kids' Games

[ExCop]

I know it usually goes the other way, but as a Dad having a great time doing little kid games with my son/umpire, I have noticed an area in which I need to watch myself carefully: A friendly demeanour.

We are trained to use command and control voice and body language to "sell" close calls and maintain respect. Frankly, though, a 6'3" 220 lb umpire hollering "He's Out!" on a banger at first can be downright terrifying for little kids.

I have had to work at making "lighter" calls. If I see a kid starting to get upset as if he thinks he's in trouble or something, I even throw in a complement like "Nice try though" or "good hustle, you almost had that!" just to head off the tears. And I try to smile. Try.

Anyway, for me this is the only tough part of umping forthe little guys (gals).

Well, that and the parents. But that's another topic....

[SJC_Blue]

The only difference for me is that I don't ring kids at this age up. Everything else I pretty much do the same.

[killdump]

I had to tone down the volume of my calls as well. I started doing LL again last year, and I made a little kid jump out of his shoes when I called strike on a pitch. Everyone at the game got a good laugh out of it except the little kid and myself. I really felt bad for the little guy. The look of fright on his face really got to me.

[Stan W.]

had a similar experience..........at the begining of the inning I pointed to the pitcher and loudly called "PLAY!"........the catcher jumped 3 feet........I guess they dont do that down in these levels........