Mental check lists for umpires.

[VA-Ump]

I like your checklist. Its really helps to get a routine where you go through it in your mind (and out loud if necessary) before each play.

A few things to add that I have picked up along the way:

- Hustle - a hustling Umpire is a awesome thing to behold. I'm told my hustle and being active is one of the major things that caused me to be noticed and to be chosen for NCAA Association.
- Don't move if the hole opens up and the runner is bearing down on you. Rather break down and prepare to defend yourself.
- Get to the pile quickly and make yourself known. You stop a lot of unnecessary stuff by getting there quickly.
- Before you take a step marking off a foul, know whether its going to be a 1st down or not. You are not in hurry. Work out a system with your HL so he knows how far you're going so he can tell you if its going to be a first.
- Use two whistles, a lanyard in your mouth until the snap (spit it out at the snap) and then a finger whistle to kill the play...if necessary.