Working with a bad partner.

[mbyron]

I do not complain about bad umpires to my assignor (he doesn't want to hear that), but I do make a big deal (verbally and follow-up e-mail) when I work with a good partner. My non-reaction to others might fall in the category of "damning by faint praise."

[scott1231]

"How" we say something is just as, if not more, important as "what" we are trying to say.

If I have a "bad" partner (constantly out of position, uniform probs, poor timing, red*a*s*s* looking for problems, no communication, etc ...) yes, I will bring it up in my own way.

I usually don't have conversations with my partner during the game, unless it's crucial. It's not rude, just being professional about it ... and that's part of my pre-game. "If we need to talk about something in between innings, give me the sign. Otherwise, we'll hook up after the game."

After the game, I'll never just offer my opinion about what they need to work on. That is not my place. If they ask, but are the type of person who just wants to look and sound like they're receptive, then I just blow it off and make a mental note to watch to see if they've made any changes if I'm ever assigned with this person again.

I also have a good working relationship with our board, who makes recommendations to the assignor. I'll let them know, because apparently they respect my opinion. Earlier in my career, I just kept it to myself. As I have worked my way "up," and have earned their respect, they've come to me for my opinion on a few others.

If it's an umpire that I think is not ready for upper-level games, I'll always give a Bad News Sandwich (here's what they did well, here's what they need to work on, here's what I think will happen if they work on these things ... bad news in between good news).

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by scott1231

If it's an umpire that I think is not ready for upper-level games, I'll always give a Bad News Sandwich.

Now you went and made me hungry, thanks a lot!

[chris21]

A$$ handed to me a decade ago. I pull no punches, nor sugarcoat anything. Had one kid remember an ejection of mine from 4 years ago at the collegiate level, tells me "that was great umpiring", none of the other guys would have the balls.This is NOT rocket science, that clown on the video clip that has a tizzy fit after he gets it right, WOW!!!!!!!!! If I f-up, let me know.....I sure will reciprocate the same

[pdxblue]

Originally Posted by chris21

A$$ handed to me a decade ago. I pull no punches, nor sugarcoat anything. Had one kid remember an ejection of mine from 4 years ago at the collegiate level, tells me "that was great umpiring", none of the other guys would have the balls.This is NOT rocket science, that clown on the video clip that has a tizzy fit after he gets it right, WOW!!!!!!!!! If I f-up, let me know.....I sure will reciprocate the same

Sort of my sentiments too.

I have had guys come back to me much later and thank me, even though at the time they hated my guts for leveling with them.

If you don't feel comfortable busting a guys chops, then don't. For ME, it is helpful to hear even about the little things I do wrong, or what my partner doesn't like. I may not agree with him now, but down the road, I might "get it".

I wish more guys would have leveled with me early in my umping career.

With newer umpires, I give a LOT of details about what I seen them doing that was wrong. With older guys that should know better, I hold back a bit. Generally, in their 5-6th year, they will show signs of wanting to go to the next level. With those that do, I try to help as much as I can. If the don't seem to want to get better, I won't give them anything, except maybe a ration of crap if they really blew some plays.

[LMan]

After games with a new guy, I usually just ask, "do you want some feedback?" Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. I respond accordingly.

[Old Time Ump]

In the original comment, it was implied that the 'bad partner' did not miss any calls or cause the other umpire to miss any. That should be factored in before deciding what one does about his other failings and flaws. I assume the discussion is about amateur work. In the past in professional ball, mechanics and mannerisms have been subordinate considerations to getting the calls right. Alas, that is changing, too.