Umpire Secrets ~ Controlling the Game and Insults

If you have umpired for long you know it can be rewarding and it can also be stressful. No matter what level, occasionally and in spite of your best efforts, things can get ugly.

Here is a perspective I have developed as an umpire that helps me control these predicaments. It removes the emphasis on your performance as the umpire, helping to make the situation less emotionally charged.

Rather than focus on specific accusations, concentrate your efforts to protect everyone else in the game from the influence this person may be have on them. 

The rulebook at all levels contains language designed to support sportsmanship and respect for authority. This perspective will help you uphold these rules.

As an umpire you learn to ignore the small insults but when it continues or escalates you have to take action to control managers, coaches, and players. 

It's only important that the coach or player in question hears what you have to say, and always try to avoid loud outburst. However, speaking in a normal tone usually means others are likely to hear as well. 

Depending on the level of play and attitude of the offender, try to use phrases or combinations of the following:

• "Coach, you're showing these players that it's okay to disregard rules and disrespect authority." "We have a responsibility to prevent that from happening."
• Or "Coach, we all have the same rules and we cannot be allowed to teach these players that it's okay to behavior like this."
• "If continued it will be doing more harm than good to the players who are witnessing this.  

Unfortunately, no explanation will satisfy someone who is adamant. This focus provides an appropriate response and clearly indicates why someone is going to be ejected if the behavior continues.

To a player say things like:

• "You don't have to agree with every decision an umpire makes, however, if you show your disapproval there are rules which need to be followed so others don't think they can do the same. If you want to remain in the game you'll control yourself. The choice is yours."
• Or, "The umpire is the only person in this game responsible for everyone's safety and for enforcing the rules. This is not against you personally, but your behavior cannot be allowed to continue. This is the only warning you will get."

It's important to get a positive response from the player. If not, tell the coach he needs to replace this player and make it clear he or she is being ejected.

By following these suggestions you can quickly resolve these kinds of problems umpires face, when insults directed at the umpire continue or escalate. This will lessen your frustration and reduce the effects insults can have on you during the game.

You will become better equipped to promote the lessons and values baseball and softball impart and better able to enjoy this activity which can be rewarding and memorable for the umpire. 

Jared Parks 

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