[jdmara]

Originally Posted by Matt

While my games are not in HD, they already have replay for the viewers. First televised game this year, I had a play at the plate where, while it wasn't in the realm of the "expected" call, I could have called the runner safe with no debate. However, even though the runner made a nice slide on an errant throw that the catcher had to corral, the catcher made a great play to get the runner on the shoulder just before he reached the plate. The initial reaction of the runner and the commentators (runner's team's TV crew) was that I blew it, but on replay, they dejectedly agreed with the call.

Another point here is if you ever do televised games, try to get a copy of it. A lot of umpires don't get video of themselves outside of clinics, and getting real-life games allows you to see exactly what you do in the real world, for better or for worse. During the game above, I thought I was setting up too wide on my plate stance, but watching it, I saw that that I wasn't. That video saved me from making an unnecessary adjustment and potentially making my umpiring worse the next game.

That's the best advice for any sport. I try to get the majority of my basketball game-tapes and review them. It's interesting to look at my bad habits that I'm not even aware of and then fix them.

-Josh