Sure, if every official was available any time you needed them and were willing to drive as far as needed. In actuality, it's impossible to make these pairings, especially with 100+ officials and thousands of games, so organizations are forced to pair partners by availability. This doesn't mean organizations can't pair officials with different abilities, but there's no way you can match them perfectly.

The only exceptions are when officials are being evaluated for promotion to higher-level games. Pair them with more experienced and stronger officials to evaluate them.

Do those shoes fit?

Originally Posted by Simply The Best http://forum.officiating.com/images/...s/viewpost.gif


If you have an association with a set of quality leaders, they can match up partners according to strengths and weaknesses, temperament, physical capabilities, etc. All derived from the testing, reviews and supervision.


Wasn't shooting for perfection. Availability is one of the criteria that you snipped from my post (i.e. "etc)Fair enough.

I think I understand your intent, but don't think this is the way to go.
As BU, if I come to you for info (besides coach appeasement), I dont want be asked multiple Q's on why I called that, what my "doubt" level on the call is, or what you think I should do. All I want to know is "What do you have". Tell me, and I'll handle it from there.
Your post would make more sense if the BU was a newbie, though...

It may seem like I'm picking on you, but I really just want a clearer response.
Are you saying that, as PU, you can actually "insist" on BU's actions and that "we signal" ? Sounds like you're over-reaching there.

But I am curious on the "both going to explain the changed call" idea and wonder what all of you think of this. The coach knows that the PU saw something different and will address comments to the PU (so the BU "does the talking and I will just be there" idea wont work).
Any time I've given info, the BU then makes his call while I'm nearby or walking back to my position, and if a coach asks me (due to a call change), I say "I told my partner what I saw, and its his call, lets play ball"...
What say all of you?

I don't feel picked on at all. I will agree that to some that my approach may be over reaching, but I have yet to run into that problem on the field. We pregame it and work together a lot.

In 2001 I was working U1 at a game in Lakewood, NJ. My partner missed a HR ball due to a bad angle and a funky ground rule. After we got together, I informed him of where the ball hit and explained how it came back onto the field. As soon as I told him, he turned around and changed the call. The Lakewood manager shot out of the dugout like a cannon ball. He bumped my partner really hard and it was one of the most intense situations I have ever seen on the field.

We were being evaluated that night. After the game, Denny Cregg said, "Well boys! Do you think that there is anything you could have done different to prevent that?"

He later shared that if, you walk towards that manager/HC he knows what is coming and he has time to think about it. He still isn't happy about it, but by closing the distance between you and him and giving him time to chew on it, it helps defuse the situation a little.

This mechanic has helped me ever since.

By both umpires going over the manager/coach hears it from the calling umpire and the other umpire can quickly support the change and get the game going again. This allows you to avoid the, I am going to go talk to him and the yelling across the field that can take place if the non-calling umpire doesn't go with.

This isn't the only way, and you are welcome to never use it, but it has worked very well for me.

I see a bunch of responses below, but I'm responding before reading them. All three, A, B, and C seem inappropriately abrupt. I, as PU, have already said all I have to offer. Partner, I have nothing to add, or Partner, I didn't see anything that would change this call. A) PU doesn't "go with BU's call" ... it's BU's call to make, PU is not "over" him. B) PU has no "opinion". BU should be asking a specific question here... did the runner overslide where I was blocked, etc. PU's opinion on safe/out should never be uttered. C) more correct but rudely stated for no apparent reason.

Regarding the questions at the bottom, 1) Why does BU need to be dealt with, I'm missing something. 2) Nothing - direct manager to the umpire who made the call. 3) Huh?

That is awful.

Don't hold back. :)

Care to share your full thoughts?

I was taught to NEVER approach a coach to inform him of your call before you make it. The reason for this is simple, it will either welcome intimate confrontation or appear like you are discussing something with him without having the other coach/manager present. Signal the call after you and your partner confer. Hopefully, you held your conference away from players and coaches. By signalling your call, you have stated your decision for all to see. If the coach charges out, handle it.

In the Lakewood play, without knowing his demeanor, I suggest that the coach would have been just as upset if you broke your huddle and then approached him to change the play. Being near him doesn't negate his response to a perceived slight. Maybe you could have convinced him to not be upset, but professional umpires are taught to respect distance and be assertive when getting a call right.

Make your call, let him charge out, listen to his questions and respond when appropriate. This is routine situation handling. Approaching a coach, often in front of his dugout only brings you closer to the lion's den. It works for me and has for almost thirty years.

Sunshine and 50's tomorrow. My season doesn't start soon enough. Enjoy yours.

Exactly. I maybe assumed a newbie has asked the Q because an experienced ump would not, in fact most likely got it right already. If I am working with an experienceed ump and he asks I tell him what I got, and he will decide what to do with that info.

I was taught that too, but I am always learning and trying new things. This one works for me and is just food for thought. So many ways to approach situations. Find ones that work for you.

Season is going well. Had a blast at AT&T Park this past weekend. Got to work with and watch 5 of the best umpires in college baseball. Was very blessed to be apart of it. Get to work with two of them again this weekend. Life is very good at the moment. New baby girl and I get to umpire.

I would insist that you have to be kidding me.:eek:

You've done your job. If he's ethical, and you have a call changer, he changes the call. If not, then he truly does have to make a decision. :rolleyes: