Working with a bad partner.

[JRutledge]

Mick says it best. "Get in, get done, get out."

Unless the guy does something ultra-unprofessional, I would not report this to the assignor. Now if I am asked by the assignor, I will give my opinion. I just do not think it is my place to "rat" them out on my own.

If the umpire and I are on the same level, it is usually easier to talk to them if they are willing to learn or willing to discuss situation. When someone has accomplished everything, those umpires are harder to talk to. So you have to read the person and decide if it is even worth it to have a discussion.

Ultimately if the assignor put them on the game, there was a reason. It is not my job to start telling assignor who is worthy and who is not. If an umpire is that bad, the assignor will find out. Their body of work will tell on them. I do not need to add fuel to the fire.

Peace

[ctblu40]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Mick says it best. "Get in, get done, get out."

Unless the guy does something ultra-unprofessional, I would not report this to the assignor. Now if I am asked by the assignor, I will give my opinion. I just do not think it is my place to "rat" them out on my own.

If the umpire and I are on the same level, it is usually easier to talk to them if they are willing to learn or willing to discuss situation. When someone has accomplished everything, those umpires are harder to talk to. So you have to read the person and decide if it is even worth it to have a discussion.

Ultimately if the assignor put them on the game, there was a reason. It is not my job to start telling assignor who is worthy and who is not. If an umpire is that bad, the assignor will find out. Their body of work will tell on them. I do not need to add fuel to the fire.

Peace

I agree to a point. Earlier this season, I worked an Adult (NABF) wood bat league game and this was my partners first year. I had the stick, and he had some real troubles (routinely out of position, letting the players talk him into asking for help, ect.) It was a long night.

The way I usually approach this is to ask them after the game if they "have anything" on me. Meaning, did you see me do something that you thought was wrong or just plain looked bad.

This usually opens up discussion. They bring up a point, and I either explain why what I did was correct or I learn that I'm doing something a bit "off."

As far as going to the assignor, if he asks, I give my opinion. Otherwise, I move on. There was one instance that I called and requested to not work with a certain umpire. I had a banger at second on a steal attempt. I called the runner out and the manager came out on me and was irate. I felt 100% that I had it right. Skip managed to stay in the game. Between innings, I'm in short right field and I look in and see my partner sitting on the bench next to that manager drinking water. In the parking lot after the game, Skip comes by and says, "Even ______ knows you blew that one."

I was pi$$ed! I haven't worked with him since!

[waltjp]

Originally Posted by ctblu40

The way I usually approach this is to ask them after the game if they "have anything" on me. Meaning, did you see me do something that you thought was wrong or just plain looked bad.

This usually opens up discussion. They bring up a point, and I either explain why what I did was correct or I learn that I'm doing something a bit "off."

I think this is an excellent way to approach the subject. Some guys, most I hope, would be receptive to constructive criticism. Others don't want to hear squat.

Originally Posted by ctblu40

As far as going to the assignor, if he asks, I give my opinion. Otherwise, I move on. There was one instance that I called and requested to not work with a certain umpire. I had a banger at second on a steal attempt. I called the runner out and the manager came out on me and was irate. I felt 100% that I had it right. Skip managed to stay in the game. Between innings, I'm in short right field and I look in and see my partner sitting on the bench next to that manager drinking water. In the parking lot after the game, Skip comes by and says, "Even ______ knows you blew that one."

Usually I would only say something to the assignor if they asked; or, if I have a very good relationship with that assignor. In a case like you cited where your partner hung you out to dry I'd definately make mention of it.

I'd also add - if you have something negative to say, expecially to a less-experienced umpire, try to start with a positive. I think it makes the recipient feel more receptive if there's some praise to balance the discussion.

[kraine27]

I think you have received some pretty good advice so far. Some of the things I agree with whole heartedly. I assign umpires for 36 schools, most of which have varsity and JV teams and some have Frosh. teams. I handle a lot of games every season and utilize a lot of umpires. I work my own schedule as well, but, I make an effort to watch any new umpires or weaker umpires. It is my opinion that I must have a line of communication with my umpires. It doesn't always have to be a bad thing. I received several calls from umpires commending their partners jobs. Those comments were then passed on.

Once I receive a call on one of my umpires, good or bad, I try to get to the yard and watch them work. On occassion I may watch them more than once before I make any comments too them.

I guess what I'm trying to say is I have to have feedback, good and bad, from my umpires about their partners because it is not possible for me to get around and see everyone work.

Hang tough and always remember to be respectful when giving advice.

[ctblu40]

Originally Posted by kraine27

Once I receive a call on one of my umpires, good or bad, I try to get to the yard and watch them work. On occassion I may watch them more than once before I make any comments too them.

This is a good point since everyone (except me ) has a bad game once in a while!

[TussAgee11]

I will say this...

one of the best things that can really motivate a younger umpire to motivate them to become even better, maybe attend school, and persue their umpiring career futher is to actually PRAISE THEM.

It happened to me, 19 years old, and I now figure that if older guys in the association like my work so much, maybe I have a good future. Now, after college, I want to go to umpiring school. That umpire's evaluation of me makes me realize that I am a good umpire, and that good umpire's need to be open to evaluation and critique.

Just my experience, I'm not going to make a theory that you should praise weak umpires.

[Justme]

Originally Posted by TussAgee11

I will say this...

one of the best things that can really motivate a younger umpire to motivate them to become even better, maybe attend school, and persue their umpiring career futher is to actually PRAISE THEM.

It happened to me, 19 years old, and I now figure that if older guys in the association like my work so much, maybe I have a good future. Now, after college, I want to go to umpiring school. That umpire's evaluation of me makes me realize that I am a good umpire, and that good umpire's need to be open to evaluation and critique.

Just my experience, I'm not going to make a theory that you should praise weak umpires.

I agree!

Recently I worked two Adult League games with a new umpire (one year HS experience, JV level). I was expecting him to be in over his head (like a few other new guys I worked with recently) but the guy was good....very good! I made it a point to let him know that he was doing a good job. After the first game I spent 20-minutes talking things over with him, mainly praising him. I told him that I'd ask the assignor to let me work with him again (which he did 2 days later).

After the second game (he worked bases both games) I told him that if his plate work was as good as his base work he should consider giving it a try. I have one more game with him this week, he'll be on the plate.