Advice for New Umpires

[PeteBooth]

In order to get a TRUE list we need add'l info such as the following?

Are you an assignor?
What type of Umpire association due you refer to (ie; a HS asociation summer ball only, LL etc.)
Do your umpires get paid? If so are they paid market rates

RE:

You have had responses that say Rule knowledge which obviously umpires need to know however, which rules govern your clients? meaning FED based, OBR/ NCAA or a mixture.

The answer to the aforementioned will govern how you run your rules clinic.

Also, if you want umpires to "look good" then they should get paid so that they can afford what's needed.

Another if not one of the most important aspects about umpiring is "reliability" meaning you do not want your umpires calling the assignor the "last minute" to cancel an assignment unless it is unavoidable.

Arrive at the game site at least 1/2 before time.

Have either a web-site or a list of how to get to all the game sites. In my HS association we have a Web-site with directions to all the schools we service.

DO NOT Back - stab one another.

Whether you are assigned the Plate or base make certain you have proper attire for either. That's why it is important for the umpires to show up at least 1/2 hour before game time. It takes time to get dressed especially when doing the plate.

Instruct your umpires not to hang around when the game is Over. If you have the dish instruct them to simply drop whatever baseballs you have left at home plate or toss them over to the home coach. Greet your partner and head for your cars TOGETHER. if a coach / player wants to shake your hand fine, but do not habg around and do not expect any kuddos either.

Pete Booth

[MadCityRef]

My guide will be written in no time. And I'll take all the credit.

Thank for the help. I'll use your suggestions as starting points for our discussions, and the aforementioned guide.

Look good and don't suck. Isn't it interesting you need have the experience to understand such a simple yet complex sentence?

MCR

[DG]

Wow! I would be scared to death if I got all this feedback. For a new umpire I would suggest the following.

1. Get an indicator. Put it in your left hand and get used to how it operates. Practice till you can use it without looking at it.

2. Get a mask and a base hat. Practice putting the mask on and taking the mask off, with your left hand, without the hat coming off, while holding the indicator (see 1). Practice till you can do it without thinking about it.

3. Stand two feet from a door. Practice raising your right fist and beating on the door. Then stand away from the door and do the same thing. You will need this for calling stikes and outs.

4. Stand two feet from a door. Cross your arms in front and then sweep them in front until they are at yours side 180 degrees apart, without touching the door. Then stand away from the door and do the same thing. You will need this on the bases and behind the plate from time to time.

5. Get a good firm plate stance and do not move when the pitch is coming. GD is excellent for this and I wouldn't hesitate to teach a new umpire.

6. Get some decent equipment and clothes. However, if you look like a dork calling balls and strikes and outs and safes nice looking clothes ain't gonna help much.

7. Oh, get a rulebook for the level you will be calling and read it.

[SAump]

DG's list provides great info for newump.

Also add plate conference and pre-game coverage instructions.
I adapted some info that GarthB provided us last year.
Perhaps someone knows where the thread went.

[Justme]

Originally Posted by Jim Mills

Do not even read, let alone heed, the opinions or advice found on internet bulletin boards that is given by umpires whose true identities are not readily available.

You will occasionally miss out on some good advice, but that will be outweighed a hundredfold by the garbage you bypass.

You've obviously placed yourself on that list along with us other umpires to ignore. After all, who is Jim Mills? Is that really your name? Where do you live? What is your story? What is your address & phone number? Where do you work? Why won't you tell us? How can we verify that you are indeed "the" Jim Mills? How can we accept your advice when your "true" identity is unknown?

My real name is Allan Edwards and now that makes my advice as good as yours, is that right Jim Mills?

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by Jim Mills

Do not even read, let alone heed, the opinions or advice found on internet bulletin boards that is given by umpires whose true identities are not readily available.

That would include this post then. Everyone, please disregard this advice.

[bobbybanaduck]

hi, i'm bobby. not.

[LMan]

Originally Posted by Jim Mills

Do not even read, let alone heed, the opinions or advice found on internet bulletin boards that is given by umpires whose true identities are not readily available.

Yeah! Damn straight! Couldnt say it better! You da man!



....errrrrrrrrrr.......

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by Jim Mills

Hmmm...

IIRC, the thread solicited opinions on advice for NEW umpires.

For them, I stand by the post. Most (not all) good advice is provided on the bulletin boards by those whose identities are transparent. Most (not all) bad advice is submitted by those whose identities are hidden. Experienced umpires are generally discriminating enough to tell the difference regardless.

New umpires are far better served depending solely upon the training and education to be had at clinics and local association meetings.

Jim,

I think many of us know what you meant, and agree. Over time, newer posters will learn who can be trusted and who can't.

[SAump]

What's in your wallet?

I predict that NEWUMP will NOT make any money his first season if he attends a clinic, joins a local high school association, buys an appropriate amount of umpire clothing, and also buys top of the line protective equipment. Success will not be measured in CASH.

I suggest that MadCityRef buy the 2007 BRD by Carl Childress and explain how NEWUMP will want to have a copy of the "BiRD" for himself. I predict NEWUMP has never heard of the "BiRD or J/R" or other valuable material. I predict that copies will not be available for sale at either of those clinics or the local associations meetings. Success will NOT be measured by clinics or association meetings attended.

Success, character and heart will be measured on the ballfield. I do wish him luck and look forward to another great baseball season.

[Tim C]

Thanks for posting my lists . . . thay get comments whenever they are talked about.

BTW these will be, in a more well written form, in the Oregon High School Baseball Umpire Training Manual that I am currently drafting.

Best of the Holidays to all,

Regards,