Working with a bad partner.

[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.