What makes a good umpire?

[DaveASA/FED]

I agree with Scott the real answers are deep and philosophical!!!

But a short list
1) loves the game
2) strives to be the best at what they do
a) willing to keep training
b) willing to keep reading and studying the rules
3) can let things go and learn from their mistakes
4) can turn off their hearing
a) let people bark at you till it gets where it needs to be stopped
b) dont' let things people say make you believe them like "you cost us the game blue"

there is a short list I am sure there are more.....

[NCASAUmp]

Tossing in a few...

A good umpire...
Hustles with purpose.
Does the little things, like arrive with a clean uniform and polished shoes.
Helps out his partners and assignor(s) when they're in a jam.
Does not "expect" the big assignments.

And most of all... Frequents and contributes to this forum!