Umpire Secrets ~ Earn Respect as an Umpire
As an umpire, one of the easiest ways to show your ability to call a fair game is by displaying your posture. Second to dressing as a professonal, your behavior and energy level on the field does the most to gain respect and serve to prove your capability as an umpire.
Everything you do during the entiregame is viewed by on or more members of the teams or by spectators. And every action you make is used in part to judge your credibility, either consciously or unconsciously, when someone believes he or she saw a play unfold differently than you called it.
There is much you can do as an umpire to enhance your image and performance by following these easy suggestions throughout the game:
When on the field before the game, move with with definite purpose with your head upright. When just standing do not lean against the fence, put your hands in your pockets, or act in any way that could be viewed as you being tired or bored.
As an umpire do not fraternize with coaches or players. If you shake the hand of the manager or coach on one team make sure to shake the hand of the manager or coach on the other team.
While players are warming up before the game and in between innings and half innings, the base umpire should be standing far enough from the dugout that others are discouraged from talk with him. During each of these periods you should consistently take the same position on the field and maintain the same stance.
When the ball is put in play, stay alert and quickly move into your next position. An umpire should always be still when watching a play occur and use consistent timing between the actual play and the call.
After you have waited the one or two seconds you are accustomed to, and are sure the fielder has control and possession of the ball, make a sharp and crisp mechanic (visual signal).
A verbal signal is given by an umpire along with the mechanical signal when calling a close play or if there are other runners on base. After your call and you have seen the play has stopped, run or jog to your next position always watching the ball when it is "live" and in play.
The "out" mechanic should be made with your elbow a a 90 degree angle and high enough to clearly be seen from all directions. The "safe" mechanic is done by thrusting both arms straight out to the sides, not sweeping up or back.
The observations people make throughout the game will influence the umpire's reputation. Your behavior during the entire game and the energy you put forth as an umpire are used to judge your ability when making decisions, especially on close calls.
Jared Parks
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