Topic for discussion: Handling Situations!

[ctblu40]

Originally Posted by PWL

While I agree with what you said, I'll add one to the list. The so called "vets" do not want to get on the field and do the Freshmen/JV games because they feel it is beneath them. There are several Freshmen/JV tournaments at the first of the year. Now they will do a JV/Varsity DH with an experienced partner and that is about it. I don't even have a clue as to how they rate and evaluate umpires in our association. What they say and what they do are two different things from what I have seen. On the field training should fall on the the association, no excuses whatsoever.

Exactly one of the problems in my association. One excuse is that they "don't want to mess up their strike zone doing lower level baseball."

[Durham]

I only have a second to post, took the day off and too much to get done around the house, but I wanted to say thanks and add what I felt were 2 main reasons that situations get handled poorly or go unhandled all together.

1) We are afraid to handle bussiness. Maybe we are new to a level and we don't want to mess up, or it is a big game and we "don't want to decide the outcome." I would say that everyone that has ever umpired has been afraid to make a call at some point in their career and it isn't a bad thing it is just human nature. The key is identifying it as a weakness and finding the answer, for me it was some years back when I truly began to believe that I am just doing my job, the thing theypay me to go out there and do. If someone screws up or does something that they shouldn't be doing, I just need to correct it. I don't have to be an *** about it, I just need to fix it. It's not personal, it's just bussiness.

2) The group makes doing our job more difficult than it needs to be. How many of you have heard, "well your the 1st guy that ..." We all know that they will say that no matter what, but the truth is it is our inconsistencies as a group that encourage it. If we in our groups are hammering the same things every time they occur, we will have less situations to deal with. If we all, enforce 1 on deck batter, 5 warm-up pitches, everyone including coaches in the dugout, and every other what is deemed as small detail, then we will have fewer things to deal with and I think increase our confidence when it comes to dealing with bigger issues, because the players and coaches know that we are working hard and doing our job. If you will handle the little stuff, then you sure as **** will handle the big stuff.

I'll answer the questions that were asked of me and add more later.

Thanks again.

[RPatrino]

Durham...well said.

You can't let what other's do affect how you do your job. We've all heard it, " the guys in the last game let our players sit on top of the dugout", or some other such nonsense. We all know the rules, we all know how to call ball games. Where we earn our game fees is when its "time to umpire". Somebody has to step up and do the right thing, and do it everytime. You can't ignore the little stuff, because eventually the little stuff blows up and you have a major issue on your hands.

It was also mentioned that sometimes we talk too much. One of my mentors is of the opinion that you should never use more than 5 words when describing a situation...

[Durham]

This is the handout that we went through and discussed each point. If there is one that you want to know what the conscience was please ask. It was a great time and the best part was that the class brought up great points and we stayed on track. A few 3rd world things came up, but we answered them quickly and described how we would handle it, but told them that there isn't just one way to do everything, so if they felt better doing something differently, they just need to understand the pro's and con's to doing it that way.


Situation Management Classroom

What prevents us from effectively handling a situation?

• Being able to identify areas that keep us from handling a situation or prevent us from even trying to is the number one area for improvement for nearly ever umpire I know.

o Be able to admit both your weaknesses and fears!

• The second factor that hampers our ability to quickly and effectively handle situations is the group.

o When the group from top to bottom consistently handles situations in the exact same fashion, our jobs will be made easier.

The Nuts & Bolts (the best defense is a good offense)

• It all starts with a phone call and a pre-game.



• Look Good



• Work hard & hustle
o But remember angle over distance



• Tempo



• Sell you calls
o Timing



• Between innings positioning

• 10-15-20 (breaking up mound conferences)
o How to and from where do you approach the mound



• Take care of your paper work
o Record trips/timeouts
o Record substitutions

• Safety 1st
o Keep everyone in the dugouts.
 Period
o Lighting/Darkness/Rain
 When do you bring it up?
o Collisions

• The Hand



• Only allow head coaches to argue calls
o Assistant coaches



• If you have an ejection, you must write a report. Remember to be honest and include only the facts.

***Note: The above is all in your control! None of it has to do with judgment, it is a situation where you simply choose to do it or not do it. If we as a group can be consistent with our approach to the above, then every one of us will have fewer situations that need to be addressed.



The Bread & Butter (this is where you make your mark and get paid)

• Teddy Roosevelt
o I have known my wife for my entire umpiring career and being the history teacher she is she has always said to me on the way out of the door to work a game, “Carry a big stick.” I would say to you, “And don’t be afraid to use it.” Each of us has a job to do and that is it, it is not personal it is simply our job. When they step out of line it is our job to hit them with the stick.

• Strike Zone
o Timing
o Arguing balls and strikes
o Check swings



• Did you really see it?
o Where & How



• Getting Help
o When and how to



• Rabbit ear’s



• Work together



• How to give critiques to your partner’s
o Importance of knowing your position in the group



• Verbal Judo (what and how to say it)
1. Don’t tell people, ask them
• It is ok to say please and thank you!


2. Set the context, explain to them why



3. Give them options
• Always give them the good options first!
4. Confirm that they understand their choice
• Is there anything I can say … I’d like to think that there is!
• If they give you no reason to eject then it is ok to start the process over at #1


5. Act
• It is time to eject



• The beauty of this system is that you are allowing the offender to eject themselves and by using it you are writing each paragraph of your ejection report. The problem that many will have with this system is that they will either think it is too long or too nice. While each is entitled to feel that, until you using it you are depriving yourself of a valuable tool to help you effectively handle situations and you are adding to the group’s inconsistency. If we all use the system, then the coaches and players will figure it out and conform to the behaviors that we desire.

• Remember! If saying it makes you feel good, then it is NO GOOD!

[Durham]

Originally Posted by BigUmp56

They think they're larger than the contest they're officiating.


Tim.

This was classified in our fear/weakness bullet. We said, just do what they pay you to do and enjoy a nice long post game with your buddies.

[Durham]

Originally Posted by D-Man

I handle things badly when I take things personally. I get better and better with each ejection though.

D

Most of us do, I know that I do. I had my 6th of the college season this past weekend and after I ejected the player, his coach came out and wanted to just personally attack me. He started to tell me that I had a "chip on my shoulder." I got freaking pissed but I stayed calm. I asked him if he was talking about me doing my job: keeping players and coaches in the dugout, not allowing them to argue balls and strike from the dugouts and coaches boxes. Not allowing the center fielder to yell at my partner working the plate, not allowing them to wear wind shirts, having a pitcher remove his entirly white glove and I only ejected his player after I had warned him 3 different times. Then I asked him how far I was suppose to let his player go and if he wanted me to NOT do my job. He turned around and went back to his dugout. And didn't say a word in the rest of game or during the 2nd game of the DH, my plate.

[Durham]

Originally Posted by ctblu40

I would love it if my association gave classes on this.

So how are these things presented? Do you role play?

There is some role playing, but only as students bring up their situations or ask us for an example. We as instructors decided that it was not war story time, that was after the meeting at Hooters.

[Durham]

Originally Posted by PeteBooth

This might not answer your question specifically but the main problem today is a lack of a mentoring program. I think this is true even at the major league level where the new "young-guns" handle things differently then the "old timers" used to handle. I believe Steve Palermo commented on this as well.

Generally speaking there is a shortage of umpires throughout the country which means the Vets who could be mentors and provide evaluations etc. are too busy doing games themselvs. I do not know if this is true at the collegiate level as well but I do know this is a problem at the HS level especially in my association.

In addition, the vets do not get to work with the rookies as much because of the shortage.

Like everything else in life you need experience and also feedback to improve.
What's happening today at least in my area, is that rookies do the modified games and fill in some JV games, however, they are working with another inexperienced partner as well.

Yes umpires need to attend rules / mechanics clinics but you only get so much knowledge "sitting the bench"

The "other" factor is the umpires who fall in the "I do it for the paycheck only" camp. These types of umpires could care less what happens and whether or not the coach has a valid complaint etc. They simply take their checks and move on. They know there is a shortage and whether or not they had a good/bad performance is irrelevant because they will have work.

Pete Booth

Pete, I think this kind of hits the nail on the head. In pro ball we spent our lives with umpires, in college ball we spend the weekends together, but after most of our HS games we pack up and head home. This isn't a bad thing, because I know that at times we have other things we need to do, but I would challenge you and I did my class to one game a week go out with your partner and the JV/Frosh guy after the game, you can even meet up with another crew if they are close by. In our lives and in our jobs we only get better at the stuff that we spend time getting better at.

[Durham]

Originally Posted by PWL

While I agree with what you said, I'll add one to the list. The so called "vets" do not want to get on the field and do the Freshmen/JV games because they feel it is beneath them. There are several Freshmen/JV tournaments at the first of the year. Now they will do a JV/Varsity DH with an experienced partner and that is about it. I don't even have a clue as to how they rate and evaluate umpires in our association. What they say and what they do are two different things from what I have seen. On the field training should fall on the the association, no excuses whatsoever.

One thing we talked about was knowing your position and role in the group. I told the guys what I felt mine was. "I am here to help those that want help. I am not here to force my ways on anyone, because who and the hell am I, but if you have a question, I'll tell you how and why I do it. I have worked 6 HS games this year and on everone I have had my partner tell me what they wanted to work, because they may want to work on something or try something new, and I could help them do that if they like." Oddly the math has worked out, 3 plates and 3 bases.

[Durham]

Originally Posted by ctblu40

Exactly one of the problems in my association. One excuse is that they "don't want to mess up their strike zone doing lower level baseball."

Tell them that it does exactly the opposite for me. Where better than a "lower level game" to work on your timing, which improves your strike zone.

[PeteBooth]

[QUOTE]

Originally Posted by Durham

This is the handout that we went through and discussed each point. If there is one that you want to know what the conscience was please ask. It was a great time and the best part was that the class brought up great points and we stayed on track. A few 3rd world things came up, but we answered them quickly and described how we would handle it, but told them that there isn't just one way to do everything, so if they felt better doing something differently, they just need to understand the pro's and con's to doing it that way.

IMO , as with many of these type lists there is one important aspect about umpiring that goes unnoticed and that is:

Have Fun.

Yes, IMO umpiring should be Fun at least for us amateurs. For me umpiring does not pay the mortgage. It is a hobby and one I enjoy.

If you have the mentality that I am having fun and when I do "kick a call" it's not life or death, you will become a better umpire and learn how to handle most situations simply by having a good attitude and do not get "bent out of shape" when the participants complain.

The most important part to learn is Not to get upset or go into "attack mode" when the coach is mad at your call. Let the coach "come to you" .

By that I mean this: Many young umpires when they hear a derogatory comment from the coach (assuming no profanity or the automatic "buzz word") "stop right their tracks" and engage the coach. Now, I simply head to right field (if I am the BU). It's very difficult to argue with yourself. Also, for the most part the coach will not follow as that gives the impression that he is the aggressor.

Then there are the umpires who like the "power" and are simply unapproachable. As umpires we should be approachable.

Do not "hang around" after the game is over as that gets some umpires in trouble as well.

When the game is over it's over. Drop the balls at home plate or toss them to the home coach and GO HOME Do not be rude meaning if someone wants to shake your hand on the way out - Fine but that's it. Greet your partner and go to your car.

Also, if you did have a bad game, simply get into your car and go home or go to a place off the premises where both you and your partner can change.

I know it's a pain in the kneck to drive a car in your Plate gear but it's better then taking abuse etc. as the coach / fans players are exiting as well.

Pete Booth

[Durham]

Originally Posted by RPatrino

Durham...well said.

You can't let what other's do affect how you do your job. We've all heard it, " the guys in the last game let our players sit on top of the dugout", or some other such nonsense. We all know the rules, we all know how to call ball games. Where we earn our game fees is when its "time to umpire". Somebody has to step up and do the right thing, and do it everytime. You can't ignore the little stuff, because eventually the little stuff blows up and you have a major issue on your hands.

It was also mentioned that sometimes we talk too much. One of my mentors is of the opinion that you should never use more than 5 words when describing a situation...

Bob, I would agree, spend more time listening and less talking, the fewer words the better. One way I do that and I shared with the class was with the bullet "Did you really see that?" I tell them where on the body they were tagged or with which foot and where on the base they tagged or missed the base/plate.

[Durham]

Thanks for the great stuff guys.

[RPatrino]

I agree 100% on your thoughts about how to approach a 'discussion' with a coach. Ask questions, don't make statements. I have found that questions don't get you in as much trouble as statements. Simply ask the coach what he saw on the play. That leads to a quick conversation if he really didn't see the play at all.

And those who say that working lower level ball ruins their 'strike zones', I say, get over yourself. If the speed of a pitch changes your zone that drastically, then you don't have a "zone" to begin with. One of my best games last season was a solo JV game, in 100 degree heat. I had the time of my life, my game AND ZONE was locked in. I also experimented with not using an indicator, with no adverse affects.

My advice to those who want to be better umpires, grab those lower level games, and work on your skills in a relatively low pressure environment. Take a rookie under your wing and mentor them. You can actually learn something when you teach.