What makes a good umpire?

[whiskers_ump]

Originally Posted by Dholloway1962

You have that one down to an art, or so I've been told. You stepped into that one!

OK, that did it. I am retiring.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by GrumpUmp

The umpire who makes it his or her mission and passion to "Get It Right!" To me that would cover all the things mentioned in the previous posts.

See...you are waxing philosophical now.

[DaveASA/FED]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

Don't yell out every call.

Honor your commitments at all costs.

Remain calm and polite throughout the game, but don't let the players run you. You look more in control if you're cool and calm as opposed to heated.

I like these 3 points. I think #1 is very valid only sell what you have to, routine out call should almost be signal only, very little verbal needed again we don't need to be noticed all the time!

#2 is also a very big thing that can get you into trouble...if you CAN'T be somewhere you promised to be....and I have been sent out of country for emergency work things so it does happen.....FIND A REPLACEMENT....I worked my butt off (ok not all of it) to find people to cover my games the week I got forced to leave town, but all my games were covered before I left. But I know people that will take games then try to get out of them if a "better" game comes along on that date. Thats BS take what you agreed to do.....ok I am getting into bi*ching instead of the intent of the OP, I'll stop now

#3 I think this is paramount in officiating you have to be able to stay calm, listen to an idiot that does not know the rules and let it slide off your back and go back to work. Like I was told years ago, Never argue with an idiot they will just bring you down to their level and then beat you with experience! Yet I see umpires that want to prove to the other guy they are right, and will get elevated in tone, demeaner and attitude...the old guy thing I have to prove mine is bigger than yours. That's stupid, and gets you know where in this game, or alot of times in life! Great thing about officiating is you have the final say, you and your partner are the only ones that are guarenteed to be there at the end of the game. If the coach or player gets past your line, you can releave them of their stress by letting them go home early! So theirs might be bigger but it's not allowed back on the field!!

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

See...you are waxing philosophical now.

There may be a philosophical element to “Get It Right!” but to me it is a matter of attitude and refers to striving to be proficient in all aspects of umpiring, not just getting the calls right or being in the right place to make calls or the right signals to use. It encompasses everything including dress, protection, demeanor, safety, rules knowledge and applications, mechanics and signals knowledge, handling situations, attending clinics (where and/or when available), support for and from your fellow blues, honor, trust, commitment, even-handed firmness and fairness, et cetera. A laundry list could be compiled and every item on it would go back to doing what is necessary to “Get It Right!”

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by GrumpUmp

There may be a philosophical element to “Get It Right!” but to me it is a matter of attitude and refers to striving to be proficient in all aspects of umpiring, not just getting the calls right or being in the right place to make calls or the right signals to use. It encompasses everything including dress, protection, demeanor, safety, rules knowledge and applications, mechanics and signals knowledge, handling situations, attending clinics (where and/or when available), support for and from your fellow blues, honor, trust, commitment, even-handed firmness and fairness, et cetera. A laundry list could be compiled and every item on it would go back to doing what is necessary to “Get It Right!”

And I agree with this philosophy.

[DeputyUICHousto]

having an umpire tell you they will work your tournament only to show up Saturday morning to tell you they have to leave by 2pm...when I tell someone I'm going to work for them I'm there (unless I've told them up front) until they tell me they no longer need me.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by DeputyUICHousto

having an umpire tell you they will work your tournament only to show up Saturday morning to tell you they have to leave by 2pm...when I tell someone I'm going to work for them I'm there (unless I've told them up front) until they tell me they no longer need me.

Unfortunately, this is the norm with some people. Problem that is more of an issue is that you need that umpire so bad, you don't always have that much of a choice.

In some areas, the days of "dawn until whenever we get done" are long gone.

[SRW]

...leaves the kitchen timer in the kitchen.

[Steve M]

Originally Posted by SRW

...leaves the kitchen timer in the kitchen.

Of course the wife is in the kitchen - unless she's cleaning or getting a cold drink for me - where else would she be

(Definitely not looking over my shoulder - that's for sure)

[Skahtboi]

Someone's in the kitchen with Dinah....

[Andy]

Originally Posted by SRW

...leaves the kitchen timer in the kitchen.

I can see we need to have words.....about five minutes worth...I'll time it!

[SRW]

Originally Posted by Andy

I can see we need to have words.....about five minutes worth...I'll time it!

No problem... I read slow...

[DeputyUICHousto]

After 20 years of calling fast and slow, it has finally occured to me what makes a good umpire.

ANYONE WHO CAN STAY ON A BALLFIELD AND TAKE ALL OF THE CRAP FROM COACHES, PARENTS AND PLAYER!

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by DeputyUICHousto

After 20 years of calling fast and slow!

20 years? Rookie!

[DeputyUICHousto]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

20 years? Rookie!

I appreciate your kind words!