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The best tool an umping crew can have is communication. Pre-game, during the game, and (hopefully), post-game. The less familiar I am with a partner, the more communication we need. Pre-game talk, CONSTANT eye contact during the game, and an honest post-game review will make everyone a better umpire. Be wary of a more experienced partner telling you that you did a "great job", but doesn't want an honest critique of his own work. If you are inexperienced and are intimidated at the idea of giving a critique, steer your remarks in a different direction - ask your partner why he does the things he does. If he does something that goes against the umpire manuals, perhaps he does it because he learned it differently, or is lazy, or because of something that happened in his umping career he has discovered it works better for him. Then you can weigh if it is something YOU want to try.
You will discover after many years of umping that the day will come when the game won't be as much fun to work as the partners you work it with - because after many years you will know how hard HE worked to be on the same page with you.
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JJ
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