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Originally Posted by Tom H.
I agree with many of the points that you have made. I too remember those who took the time to give a few pointers and advice (even a couple of times only via email). Of course, I was always (or at least tried to be) open to what I was receiving and truely had a great desire to improve (THAT has not changed).
Now that I have a few more games / clinics behind me, I too try to help my partner get better. I only have one rule: that partner MUST be receptive to what I 'have' for him. If I hear any kind of comment or statement that indicates an unwillingness to even listen to what I may have, I stop, shake his hand and leave.
An example would be when my HS game did not happen because one team did not show up, I decided to stop by a game on my way home (good school/program) and see who was working. The two guys working that day were only 2nd or 3rd year members of the Unit. When the BU noticed me watching, came over between innings he asked " you got anything for me" so I figured he would be receptive. I asked him if the BR had touched first base on that single to the out field. "I don't know" was the response. "That's your touch" I said. His response: "I don't think so!" "that is the PU....he doesn't have any thing else to do" (on the play he did not pivot and never took his eyes off the ball).
On that note I was gone. Don't think he has yet to get a play-off game or even a Varsity game.
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Sometimes it is a shocker when you find out you're doing something wrong. Initially it can be hard to be told to do something a different way. As an example, I worked a kiddieball game with a 1st year umpire who was wearing a ballbag (he was doing bases). I politely recommended he take it off and he said something like "meh nobody cares". I said nothing more about it, but once the game began he took it off on his own free will.
Tom, I would have had a bit more patience with this less experienced official. Give him a chance to change his attitude- afterall, he probably doesn't want to be a bad umpire.