Advice for New Umpires

[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.