Self-Evaluation ...

Bob Hocking has submitted this material for everyone's review ...It comes from a recent article he read and lists many issues you may consider for your improvement ...
Take a look and see what you think ...

Plate Work:
Judgment of strike zone Consistency of strike zone 
Mechanics/style/form

Use of voice

Feet, body, head positioning

Timing

Hustle, mobility, coordination

Reaction to development of plays

Communication with partner(s)

General demeanor behind the plate

Appearance

Base Work:
Judgment of plays
Positioning for plays

Mechanics/style/form

Use of voice 

Timing

Hustle, mobility, coordination

Reaction to development of plays

Communication with partner(s)

General demeanor on the bases

Appearance

Consistency of Attitude:
Focus on the game
Game intensity/alertness

Enthusiasm

Body language

Fraternization

Eagerness to learn and improve

Willingness to accept constructive criticism

Relationship with crew and others

Professionalism on and off the field

Handling of Non-Routine Situations:
Knowledge/application of rules and interpretations
Demeanor/poise during situations

Overall ability in handling situations (Verbal communication, taking action, tact, professionalism) 

Handling of pressure

Additional Items to Consider:
• Did you arrive on time for games?
 • Were you in proper uniform?
 • Did you conduct a beneficial pre-game conference?
 • Were your calls loud/clear enough?
 • Did you blow any calls?
 • Did you make the right calls for the wrong reasons?
 • Were there times when it was fortunate you did not have to make a call?
 • Did you “sell” your calls when appropriate?
 • Were your judgment calls accurate?
 • Were you focused and alert?
 • Was your physical mechanics/style correct and appropriate?
 • Did you have proper initial positioning?
 • Did you move to correct coverage positions during playing action?
 • Did you do everything to ensure a fair outcome to the game?
 • Were you aware of all game situations?
 • Were the rules of the game properly understood and applied?
 • Was there consistency of rulings throughout the game?
 • Did you hustle?
 • Did you demonstrate proper timing?
 • Did you fail to maintain proper control at any time?
 • When did you feel most vulnerable to outside influences?
 • Did you seriously consider any criticism directed at your work?
 • Were there any situations where you avoided responsibility for a ruling at the expense of a partner?
 • Was there anything about your signals, gestures or style that evoked an unwanted response?
 • Did you uphold, defend or rationalize any improper rulings?
 • Did you look confident without appearing over-confident?
 • Did you react appropriately to any insults/profanity directed at others and yourself?
 • Did you treat all participants with the appropriate amount of respect?
 • Did you make every effort to defuse potentially volatile situations?
 • Was there any particular aspect of your performance that you can work on prior to next season?
 

Off Season Do's & Don'ts ...
• Do work on one aspect at a time to improve  your umpiring for next season.  Pick out a couple of things that you personally think could use a little more work to make you a better umpire. 
• Do take a look at your uniforms – do you need to order anything new before next season? 

• Do examine your equipment.  Does anything need to be cleaned and/or repaired?   
• Do attend a clinic or workshop. 
• Do reread the rulebook and surf the net for umpire articles and suggestions.   
• Do keep in shape.  Take a brisk walk with a spouse or colleague.  Jogging around the block will certainly help the infield umpire keep in top form.  Plate umpires, concentrate on keeping your legs in shape – begin with a warm up and then simple squats.  Just make sure you go slowly as you don’t want an injury delaying you from working the season opener. 
• Don't just sit back and do nothing!   Umpiring  requires you to be in top form – prepare yourself both physically and mentally!