|
IMO, most amateur umpires are too quick in their calls both on the bases and on the plate. If you are using proper timing, that makes you more the exception than the norm. Learn to live with it and keep the accuracy in the calls. Just be sure the delay is due to seeing the play better by delaying your decision point. Too many think slowing your timing down is merely delaying the point that you announce your decision. It's not. It's slowing down the time at which you actually make that decision.
In the field, most plays do not have a subsequent play following the initial call---but some do. It's those plays where many hurry their decision in anticipation not only of the play occurring, but of their need to ready themselves for the next anticipated call. That's very typical in a force DP situation. Many mistakes occur with a quick call at the pivot---anticipating the catch of the throw. A dropped ball by the pivot man can result in a call reversal or, worse yet, an umpire trying to cover his a$$ by wrongly stating the drop was on the exchange. Know where that problem area is, and focus on using the correct timing to avoid the more typical problems.
Keeping your head and eyes focused on the play after it occurs also helps sell the call. Any look away from the play makes it appear that you may be indecisive in your judgment. I've seen umpires who make the proper decision, but make the call after they start turning their head from the play. Be sure to keep the head and eyes focused on the play until after you've made your call.
I received some nice assignments for many years despite having too quick of timing. I felt my timing was good until I finally learned it wasn't. That learning came from purposefully slowing down the decision point vs the announcement of the decision. Previously I had always thought that slowed timing was delaying the announcement. After growing accustomed to that proper, slowed timing, I can only say that you can FEEL the difference. It takes much of the anxiety out of the game, leads to more accurate calls, and a greater enjoyment of umpiring in general.
Just my opinion,
Freix
|