[Durham]

This is the handout that we went through and discussed each point. If there is one that you want to know what the conscience was please ask. It was a great time and the best part was that the class brought up great points and we stayed on track. A few 3rd world things came up, but we answered them quickly and described how we would handle it, but told them that there isn't just one way to do everything, so if they felt better doing something differently, they just need to understand the pro's and con's to doing it that way.


Situation Management Classroom

What prevents us from effectively handling a situation?

• Being able to identify areas that keep us from handling a situation or prevent us from even trying to is the number one area for improvement for nearly ever umpire I know.

o Be able to admit both your weaknesses and fears!

• The second factor that hampers our ability to quickly and effectively handle situations is the group.

o When the group from top to bottom consistently handles situations in the exact same fashion, our jobs will be made easier.

The Nuts & Bolts (the best defense is a good offense)

• It all starts with a phone call and a pre-game.



• Look Good



• Work hard & hustle
o But remember angle over distance



• Tempo



• Sell you calls
o Timing



• Between innings positioning

• 10-15-20 (breaking up mound conferences)
o How to and from where do you approach the mound



• Take care of your paper work
o Record trips/timeouts
o Record substitutions

• Safety 1st
o Keep everyone in the dugouts.
 Period
o Lighting/Darkness/Rain
 When do you bring it up?
o Collisions

• The Hand



• Only allow head coaches to argue calls
o Assistant coaches



• If you have an ejection, you must write a report. Remember to be honest and include only the facts.

***Note: The above is all in your control! None of it has to do with judgment, it is a situation where you simply choose to do it or not do it. If we as a group can be consistent with our approach to the above, then every one of us will have fewer situations that need to be addressed.



The Bread & Butter (this is where you make your mark and get paid)

• Teddy Roosevelt
o I have known my wife for my entire umpiring career and being the history teacher she is she has always said to me on the way out of the door to work a game, “Carry a big stick.” I would say to you, “And don’t be afraid to use it.” Each of us has a job to do and that is it, it is not personal it is simply our job. When they step out of line it is our job to hit them with the stick.

• Strike Zone
o Timing
o Arguing balls and strikes
o Check swings



• Did you really see it?
o Where & How



• Getting Help
o When and how to



• Rabbit ear’s



• Work together



• How to give critiques to your partner’s
o Importance of knowing your position in the group



• Verbal Judo (what and how to say it)
1. Don’t tell people, ask them
• It is ok to say please and thank you!


2. Set the context, explain to them why



3. Give them options
• Always give them the good options first!
4. Confirm that they understand their choice
• Is there anything I can say … I’d like to think that there is!
• If they give you no reason to eject then it is ok to start the process over at #1


5. Act
• It is time to eject



• The beauty of this system is that you are allowing the offender to eject themselves and by using it you are writing each paragraph of your ejection report. The problem that many will have with this system is that they will either think it is too long or too nice. While each is entitled to feel that, until you using it you are depriving yourself of a valuable tool to help you effectively handle situations and you are adding to the group’s inconsistency. If we all use the system, then the coaches and players will figure it out and conform to the behaviors that we desire.

• Remember! If saying it makes you feel good, then it is NO GOOD!