mental mistakes by umpires = ejections

[David Emerling]

Originally posted by JRutledge
That is the problem with many umpires. You are more concerned with getting rid of problems instead of dealing with those problems. If that is the only way you feel you can control a game, then do that. I just think that is the easy way out and does not advance umpiring. I have made mistakes in games and never had to eject a coach or they never complained. It is the way you carry yourself that also has to do with how a coach responds. Because if you have a certain demeanor, they might not even realize you made the mistake in the first place.

Peace

Exactly!

Some umpires have to eject because they do not have the "tools" (i.e social skills or game managment skills) to manipulate the game toward a peaceful continuation/conclusion.

Manipulation sounds like a harsh word, but there is such a thing as constructive manipulation. A good umpire is a psychiatrist, of sorts. He understands what motivates people and what they *really* want. A crafty umpire can often steer a potentially volatile situation into calm waters without necessarily having to resort to any ejections.

That is not to say that an ejection is not always appropriate. It may be. But some umpires are too quick with the trigger. Ejections are not always in the best interest of the game and they are not necessarily a means to get a game under control.

If an umpire lacks these people skills, he probably *should* eject - because there are few good options left.

David Emerling
Memphis, TN