Making your Partner feel at ease

[PeteBooth]

I and probably you have visited a vast majority of message Boards such as McGriffs / Eteamz / URC and this newly formed Umpire Forum Board.

If the attacks especially on McGriffs are "really true" and not someone just trying to get someone's "goat", I would hate to be paired with some of those guys.

The purpose of this thread is to get your views on the relationship one should have with one's partner. In reading threads over the variety of Message Boards it is apparent that we all have our own opinion on things but IMO we should be as ONE when we step out on that field together.

After all, the only other person "on our side so to speak" is our partners.

While it is not necessary that we be "best buds" it is important as my kids tell me that "WE GOT EACH OTHERS BACK".

I am bascially still a "rookie" in HS ball. I have been umpiring HS and upper ball (ie; Legion / Mens Leagues) for Approx. 3 Yrs. now.

I visit these Boards not to criticize or have that "in your face mentality" but to learn things. Some veteran umpires make me feel very comfortable while others try to "STRUTT THEIR STUFF" and think they are "JOE UMPIRE".

How important do you guys think it is to make your partner "feel comfortable" and also act as one out there on the playing field? I also think it's an important quality for every Blue to Communicate and Listen to each other in order to MAKE THAT RIGHT CALL.


Pete Booth

[Rog]

Well, your question certainly did invoke some lucid responses didn't it! Perhaps the answer lies somewhere in the void of interaction?
Anyway, you raise a valid issue; but, while being "best buds" is not critical - doing a pre-game with your partner and having some familiarity with there style and approach help immensely.
One of the worst games I felt I've ever done, was with an umpire on the plate who I'd never meet before. He showed up 10 minutes before game time, and I don't believe he ever once looked in my direction, nor did he come out from behind the plate. Now, while I don't think either of us boned any calls. It seemed real evident that we were not in sync with one another. Had I needed help, he had no clue; either by choice, or lack of knowing. (jmo)

[cmcallm]

The best tool an umping crew can have is communication. Pre-game, during the game, and (hopefully), post-game. The less familiar I am with a partner, the more communication we need. Pre-game talk, CONSTANT eye contact during the game, and an honest post-game review will make everyone a better umpire. Be wary of a more experienced partner telling you that you did a "great job", but doesn't want an honest critique of his own work. If you are inexperienced and are intimidated at the idea of giving a critique, steer your remarks in a different direction - ask your partner why he does the things he does. If he does something that goes against the umpire manuals, perhaps he does it because he learned it differently, or is lazy, or because of something that happened in his umping career he has discovered it works better for him. Then you can weigh if it is something YOU want to try.
You will discover after many years of umping that the day will come when the game won't be as much fun to work as the partners you work it with - because after many years you will know how hard HE worked to be on the same page with you.

[bbsbfbump]

I am a "rookie" myself after 5 years. Like everybody else is saying you have to talk to your partner before, during, and after the game. When I work the plate at a game I tell my partner that I will always be talking to him about where I am if there is a play a 3rd.
After the game I ask questions to find out thing that I could of done differently. I want to know how they felt the game went. Go over every thing again that you went over in pregame and then fix it if it was wrong.

[cmcallm]

You're on the right track! Now, if we could get all of our partners on the same track...

[mikesears]

CMCALLM

What part of Central Illinois are you from?

[cmcallm]

Champaign, IL