Handling Coaches

[David B]

Originally Posted by blindofficial

Being new to umpiring, I'm curious to how you all handle a coach that comes out to argue a call with you? What do you say to him? Is there an automatic ejection point (besides arguing balls/strikes) based on what he might say to you, or when he tries to show you up? Any advice or some common phrases to say to the coach?

Coming into my second year, I'm trying to get a better feel for game management.

Thanks in advance for the help!

Being new to umpiring, it will take lots of games and situations; however, the best advice I like to give is to be patient.

You're new, coaches are going to test you. They will say things to you that they might not say to a veteran. So you have to learn to take it.
You don't want to get a poor reputation by looking for things to eject a coach for.

Have your guidelines as to what you will not take from a coach:
1)any suggestion you are cheating
2)cursing directed directly at you
3) .... depends of course on your personality.

Others have given good advice, but you have to find what works for you. Finally pay a lot of attention (if you can) to the veteran officials in your area to see how they handle coaches/players etc.

Good luck!

Thanks
DAvid

[Klokard]

Great advice from all the previous posts. The only thing I want to add is about what the coach is trying to accomplish. If he is protecting one of his players by coming out and asking about a call, you may want to hear him out. At that point, be firm and state clearly what you saw and ask him to go back to the dugout. There are coaches who will draw the line. I disagree that as a newbie you need to be more tolerant. What if you are a transplant from a different Assoc? Or better yet, someone working down a division? It is important to listen, but by no means do you allow a coach any leniency due to your seniority. Fastest way to lose respect among coaches is to allow them to bully you. The hand up in a stop sign as he comes out works well. Let him know, "Coach, I am not letting you come out on every close call you don't like." Be firm and fair. You will get respect.