Well then I am glad we play where we do, where we can teach our kids the meaning of good sportsmanship, and the umps actually hang around, and our kids can shake their hands as a sign of respect. We allow NO players to ever abuse the umps, so their handshakes at the end are not "making up" for anything. It is teaching them to acknowledge the job done by the Umpires. I will continue to teach them that, and I know in my area, the umps will hang around.

Shaking hands is a good practice, but like the post before me, if the game is controversial, then get the heck out. I find that the BEST games I worked are the ones when they dont even know the Umpire was there. An Umpire doesn't make or break a game, he just arbitrates.

So when its okay, sign the scorebook, and LEAVE!
Yeah, I get all $hit-faced when I hear a parent say GREAT GAME BLUE, (Even from the losers)...but it in no way helps me as a person to hear it, or helps my skills. Game over, get out, wave goodbye...

BadAxe,

I couldn't agree more with you and Congrats to your League for promoting that type of Sportsmanship. There are far too many out there that keep forgetting:

Its only a game, its only a game!

I'll take it one step further. I DON'T CARE if WWIII breaks out during the handshake line. I am hired to umpire the game and when that game ends, the COACHES are responsible for the player (and their) behavior.

I drop the balls near the plate or hand them to the catcher and leave the field. Most top umpires I know do the same.

Rich

BadAxe,

Don't be offended by the quick exit. We teach that once the game is over, get the hell out of there. And there is good reason: Handing around only incourages that one idiot to finally do something.

In my time I have seen all out brawls between parents of youth players (baseball and football). Since I'm not a cop I have no business hanging around. Some may say I can be a witness. I say let somebody else who isn't a potential target be a witness, I'm heading to the car.

Thats life in the world that we live in.

Now, it's not like our move is very noticeable. In fact, most people don't see us leave unless there is some controversy concerning the final play of the game.

As somebody has already stated, thanks for the handshake, but those kids will remember how you acted during the game more than they will the postgame routine.

Yes, I am learning from here that the older the kids get, the earlier the umps leave (and prob due more to parents and coaches than to the kids). I just haven't reached that level with my son yet, so most of my experience has been teaching the kids never to forget "blue" after shaking hands with the other team. He is 13 and playing Babe Ruth and Jr American Legion Ball. I guess as he gets older I will see that less and less. Not offended, just something new is all. Live and learn. :)