CHAPTER 2 POINTS TO REMEMBER AT ANY LEVEL

POINTS TO REMEMBER WHEN UMPIRING AT ANY LEVEL

'''UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT'''

The utmost importance to the novice, as well as the experienced umpire, is his or her uniform and equipment. Appearance is a solid attribute to good umpiring. The well groomed umpire creates an atmosphere of respect and dignity. The approved uniform is light blue shirt and the Little League Umpire patch affixed to the upper left sleeve of the shirt. Navy blue, black or gray pants. Plate cap navy blue or black (short visor), base cap with (longer visor). Black belt and shoes with navy blue or black socks.

Standard equipment should include special shoes (for plate umpire) with instep protector and box toe; ball and strike indicator, small broom or brush for cleaning home plate, chest protector, protective cup, shin guards and face mask. The ball bag must also be navy blue, black or gray. Your ball and strike indicator was designed for your left hand not your right, and shin guards should always be worn under your pants leg.

It is very important to shine your shoes before every game and to keep both uniform and equipment immaculately clean. Sloppy dress will give the impression of sloppy work. Your uniform is a reflection of the pride you demonstrate in your umpiring. Proper fit and cleanliness are essential. Generally, the first impression people have of the umpire is his personal appearance. Your decorum is something you can control.

'''FRATERNIZATION'''

Umpires must not carry on idle conversations with manager, coaches or players during the progress of a game or with other umpires unless proper officiating of the game requires it. Actual conversation and contact between umpires during the game should be minimized; however, there are going to be times when umpires have a legitimate need to get together.

'''HANDLING SITUATIONS'''

Compare two umpires with nearly the same ability. One can have more success than the other simply because he is able to react to unusual situations. It is expected that the players, managers and coaches will become emotional. When the umpire becomes emotional too, a critical situation is created. It is possible to keep your poise through trying situations.

'''PROPER POSITION'''

Quite often a play will call itself if you are in proper position. it is impossible to make a call without guessing if you have the wrong angle on a play. Study and practice until you know what position you should be in and how to get there. It is impossible to be in the perfect position for all plays as the play does not always develop as Three important factors to remember in positioning are ANGLE, DISTANCE ALVD TIMING. Angle is more important than distance!!

'''DESIRE'''

Perhaps the most important trait of an umpire is desire. A real umpire can show desire in a number of ways. With lots of hustle, honesty and understanding he is always willing to learn from others and his own mistakes. If he resents constructive criticism, then he is missing the most important trait, desire.

'''DISAGREEMENTS AND EJECTIONS'''

All umpires are expected to be perfect at the start of each game and to get better as the game progresses. Because this is not always the case, there are bound to be disagreements. When emotions run high with players, coaches, and umpires, it must be the umpires that have control. Umpires must expect disagreements and remain calm in keeping control of players, coaches, and managers. A manager's disagreement can usually be handled in a firm but gentlemanly manner. Ejections from a game whether a player, manager, or coach should be a last resort, but umpires must control the game. If an ejection is necessary to maintain control, do it! Umpires must establish control with their decision making abilities, and respond to players and coaches in a firm but courteous manner. Extreme verbal and/or physical abuse must not and will not be tolerated. Report such incidents through proper channels so that these situations may be corrected.

'''HANDLING DISAGREEMENTS'''

THE FIRST STEP IN HANDLING DISAGREEMENTS IS BEING ABLE TO RECOGNIZE WHEN YOU'ARE MOST LIKELY TO ENCOUNTER THEM.

* Keep all personalities out of your work. You must be able to forgive and forget. Every game is a new game.

* Cooperate with your partners and help each other. Don't hesitate to ask for assistance if you are blocked out on a play. The main objective is to have all decisions ultimately correct.

* Avoid sarcastic comments. Don't insist on the last word. If, after an argument, a manager is walking away let him go!

* Never charge a manager or follow him if he is moving away; and do not point your finger or use violent gestures during an argument.

* Keep your temper. A decision or an action taken in anger is never sound.

* Watch your language! Never use language toward a player, coach, or manager which, if directed at the umpire, would result in the player, coach, or manager being disciplined.

* If the manager has a legitimate point to argue under the rules, it is your duty to listen to him. An umpire can do this with dignity and no loss of respect. Be understanding remember, the players are engaged in a heated contest. You are impartial judges and should maintain a calm dignity becoming the authority you have.

* Keep active and alert on the field at all times.

* Keep the game moving, a ball game is often helped by energetic and earnest work of the umpire.

* Be courteous, impartial, and firm, and so compel respect from all.

* Remember that you are the ONLY representative of Little League Baseball on the field. Act accordingly.

* Don't think your blue umpire's shirt grants you immunity from having to take a little criticism. It's part of umpiring. Plan on it. Successful umpires know how much to take.

* If a manager is on your back, but not enough to warrant an ejection, then stay away from him. This is especially true between innings. Standing near an unhappy coach, just to show him will only lead to further tensions.

'''TO ERR IS HUMAN'''

Umpires are human. Missed pitches or errors in judgment will happen. Umpires should do their best to have as few as possible, but when you boot a call or miss a pitch do not resolve to even the score. Once called that is it, it's over and done. A missed pitch or a booted call is just that. It's missed and gone forever.

'''THE GOLDEN RULE'''

No umpire should ever criticize another umpire's decision.