Mental check lists for umpires.

[James Neil]

Mike,
I pretty much follow the same routine as you with maybe a few exceptions. When working Ump, I wear two down indicators. The extra one is to help me remember the previous spot. Little finger-left hash, middle finger-between the hashes, pointer finger-right hash. Also, I will stand over the ball, protecting it until the snapper approaches, and then I’ll hustle into position never turning my back on the offence. It’s at this time I remind myself “DON’T BLOW UNTIL I SEE THE BALL”. I’m hoping this little mechanic will delay what I know to be inevitable, my first inadvertent whistle. As far as where to go during the play, I’d like to hear from some of the more experienced officials on this. My only input and advice is just never back up. My only tumble while working Ump was when I did this trying to get out of the way during a run up the middle. This is not only embarrassing, but the dam grass stain cost me a pitcher of fermented grain at the post-game review.