Partner Communications - May 2005

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Here is another tip to improve your game…

Without doubt, verbal communications with your partner is the area most in need of improvement among amateur-baseball/softball umpires.

Partner communications begin no later than the pre-game conference and should continue on every play. Pre-game meetings set the tone for the game at hand. A good pre-game helps each member of the crew mentally focus on his/her responsibilities and ensures that each crew member understands exactly what he/she is expected to do during the game.

In fact, every duty or responsibility of every umpire could be discussed in every pre-game – of course, that is not realistic. If crew members cooperate during the pre-game, they are more likely to work well during the game.

Clear, clean, concise communication during each play is the only reliable method that will eliminate coverage errors and ensure that at least one umpire is watching everything that happens on a baseball/softball field.

Earlier this year, Andy Konyar (Little League International Umpire Consultant) was on the hot seat for “Ask Little League,” a new way for volunteers, fans and others to communicate with Little League officials and friends. Andy was able to answer inquiries from more than 160 people in 36 states and 10 other countries!

Remember, umpires can get rule updates, interpretations, useful tips like these and much more, by signing up for the Little League Umpire Registry. Click here for more details.