"real umpires"

[LilLeaguer]

I'll take a position in this discussion. I don't care at all what some people think you need to do to be a "real umpire." It's a silly discussion designed to dismiss certain folks due to arbitrary characteristics. If members of this group want to dismiss me because of the level of ball I work, I chose this handle to make it easy for them.

A good umpire:

• Exercises good judgment. Her decisions are consistent with the facts.
• Applies the rules correctly with deferrence to appropriate custom and usage.
• Manages the game with respect for the participants and to keep it moving efficiently.
• Works well with her partner or partners by taking care of her responsibilities and supporting them in theirs.

Everything else: dress, equipment, training, mechanics, experience, and raw talent (whatever that is) are useful and necessary tools to achieve the goals, nothing more.