What makes a good umpire?

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.