Conflict Resolution

[3appleshigh]

That the key to dealing with Conflicts on the field is to begin the meeting without the assumption that "you are right." This aids the listening process and will help you identify where they are wrong if thats the case as they are in most instances. The key is not to vocalize it. Assume that you are wrong, listen to what they say and then point out what is incorrect in thier thinking. This will most often show why you are right. Or make the right call if what they have pointed out is the case. The belief that an ump naver changes their call is A) faulty, and B) not good for the game, but be ready to deal with some crap when you have to change a call due to your error.

The coaches then see that you are willing to listen and explain things they are less likely to bother you during play and you may have a ew more pleasent conversations between innings where no problems realy ever occur.

Also some small things that you can do to calm situations early,

A) give the Time as requested,
B) try to meet the coach half way (physically) between the dugout and your position, Do not appear heated or smug.
C) Allow them to vent a little when they are near you. A coach up close can do a heck of a lot more than a coach still in the duggout screaming can at my ball field.
d) Wait until they are finished speaking until you talk.
E) If they simply are yelling, tell them to stop and ask thier question and you would be happy to answer any questions.
F) Do not be afraid to throw out the Coach! This is a big one, if it is preceived that you are afraid to toss a coach you will be walked on. Do not abuse it, but if your in the middle thinking this guys crazy, he has lost it, or you can no longer get him to understand and he doesn't seem to be stopping, toss him. A warning will often work, but you have to be willing to act on the warning.