Best piece of umpiring advice ever given

[Reffin' Sgt]

Slow down. During my first national tournament I had a play at 2nd base. I hesitated, pointed to the tag and was just about ready to call the runner out when I saw the ball on the ground, then I came up with the safe sign. The UIC commented to me about how well I looked on that play; never told him I was going to call him out, but it did reenforced the concept of slowing down and seeing the whole play.

[SWFLguy]

I agree whole heartedly on the timing of your calls. When I began doing this as a college kid in 1957, calling intramural ball, I thought you had to be quick and decisive. After a few "out/safe" calls and other messes I got myself in--I began to learn slow it down.