What makes a good umpire?

[Stu Clary]

Without getting too deep or philosophical, what attributes does a good umpire possess?

[Skahtboi]

Well...you have already disqualified all of the good answers.

[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!

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by Stu Clary

Without getting too deep or philosophical, what attributes does a good umpire possess?

There is a long list; but how about caring, communicating, composure and consistency.

Possibly too "philosophical"; so what Dave said:
- knowledge applied correctly
- judgement (accuracy from focus)
- position (anticipation and hustle)

[DeputyUICHousto]

1. Desire to do the job right.
2. Always trying to get better.
3. HUSTLE!
4. Communication
5. Don't try to be bigger than the game.
6. A Veteran Umpire should always be will to help any umpire but especially new umpires.

I'm sure I've left off some good ones...but...oh well. After 20 years I've probably forgotten a few.

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.

[bigsig]

How about good eye sight!
Consistancy

[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.

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.

[Texasbock]

Picking up the good habits of the ones that have been around. And also picking up on what not to do from the same.

Always look for ways to improve.

Always give the impression that you know what the hell you are doing even when you don't.

Try to have a pleasant disposition. No one likes being around a horse's ***.

Remember that the focus should never be on you.

Hustle and sell the calls that require selling.

[whiskers_ump]

Originally Posted by Texasbock

Picking up the good habits of the ones that have been around. And also picking up on what not to do from the same.

Always look for ways to improve.

Always give the impression that you know what the hell you are doing even when you don't.

Try to have a pleasant disposition. No one likes being around a horse's ***.

Remember that the focus should never be on you.

Hustle and sell the calls that require selling.

All good - however, I really like this one.

Always give the impression that you know what the hell you are doing even when you don't.

[Dholloway1962]

Originally Posted by whiskers_ump

Always give the impression that you know what the hell you are doing even when you don't.

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