Umpire Skills - November 2005
Here are a few tips that the most skilled of umpires follow, but are easy to adopt by even a novice official.
- Don’t shout out obvious calls. In particular, don’t scream out, “Strike three,” when the batter swings and misses. You don’t like being shown up and neither do batters. Everyone in the ballpark saw the play, so just make an almost nonchalant strike three gesture as the batter heads back to the dugout after a swinging strikeout.
- Don’t grant every defensive player’s request for time. If a player wants time, simply to ensure his/her return throw to the pitcher cannot result in runners advancing, you are within your rights not to grant time. Also, remember not to call time until you’re sure playing action has ceased. Too many umpires have granted time only to turn around and see a runner streaking for the next base. You’ll have a hard time explaining to a manager why his/her runner’s advance has been nullified because the shortstop needed time to tie his/her shoe.
- Take off your mask only when necessary. If you peel off your mask, follow the flight of every foul ball, wait for it to hit the ground, then give the catcher a new ball and put your mask back on, you’ll find yourself working a lot of long games. If the ball is so obviously foul that the catcher doesn’t even come out of his/her crouch, keep your mask on, give him/her a baseball/softball and get play moving again.
- Talk the talk. You’ve heard the expression, “When in Rome, do what the Romans do.” The same holds true around a ballpark. If you look, act and talk like you belong there, you’ll have a better chance of being accepted by the managers and coaches.
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.
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