Introducing...me!

[lildani14]

My name is Dani. I am the starting Varsity LF for my school and summer teams. I'm a junior in HS. I live in small town Nebraska so I don't work very many big games to where I would have to deal with coaches or parents. I've always been the younger person in the crew all the games I've worked. Which has really helped me to develop. I'm not that good yet, but I understand the game very well. And I'm working on my skills of watching for calls, not just watching and reacting as a player. If anyone has any advice, I'm all ears for any type of help.

[Steve M]

Dani,
Starting at your age, you have the opportunity to have a great career umpiring.

For advice - here's some that I've posted before
Keep a diary. List every unusual play/ruling and everything that you do not understand. After the game, spend time in your rule book and case book. Add the explanation to your diary.
You probably already have a good idea as to who the better umps are in your area. Watch them work every chance you get. Before the game, introduce yourself to them and let them know you're going to be watching them and that you'd like to talk to them later about their calls, timing, rulings, ...
Along these same lines, speak to a skilled umpire that you - and your parents - trust. Ask this skilled ump to be your mentor, to watch some of you games throughout the season and provide you with one ot two areas to cencentrate on each time. (I am of the opinion that you really can not work to improve more that one, maybe two areas in your game per game.)
Hang out some at this board - there are some really skilled folks here and the board is a registry-required board, so it's safe and not offensive for a younger person.
Study your rule book - several times each season.

These will keep you busy for a while - after more than 30 years, they keep me busy.

Steve M

[Roger Greene]

Dani,

What Steve said with a couple of added thoughts.

One of the best ways to learn the "book" is to make it a point to read at least one Rule (ie. Rule 1 from begining to end, Rule 2, Rule 3, ect) each night. It will only take about 15 minutes, and by the end of the year you will have read the whole book 35 times. You'll find yourself able to quote rules with the book closed. (Then the rule committee will change something, and you can start again!)

Pick one code (FED, ASA, Pony, USSSA, ect) to learn as your primary code. Then make lists of differences for any other codes you may officiate. These lists will become quick study sheets for the night before you do their games.

Good luck and welcome aboard.

Roger Greene

[Buck912]

Dani,
I've just completed my 3rd year of officiating softball and was fortunate enough to add some college games to my high school games last season so I'd like to give you a little advice based on my short career. These are the 3 primary things I did when I started 3 years ago. First of all, I strongly recommend to accept any and all the games assigned to you by your assigning secretary. The only way to get exposure and experience is by working games. Remember, all games are important to all the teams playing. Second..spend as much time and then some on reading the rules & case book. Using a bright colored marker, highlight the rules that really "jump out" at you. Good examples....differences between interference & obstruction, "foul tips" vs. "foul balls", base awards,etc.
And last but not least, as already mentioned by others....talk to, listen to, work with, and ask plenty of questions of the more experienced and skilled officials. Don't be afraid or hesitant to ask questions. Their answers can provide you with great results. These things worked for me and I believe that if you try them, it will be a tremendous help. Good luck and hope to hear from you in the future.........

[shipwreck]

Dani, I'm glad to see someone else from Nebraska. I am from Crete, Ne which is population of about 6000 and about 25 miles from Lincoln. I have umpired for quite a few years and it is good to see some new blood coming in. Where in Nebraska are you from? Do you do ASA ball or what? Just wondering. Dave

[whiskers_ump]

Welcome aboard Buck912 . With information you added, Dani should now have
a grip on things. Not much I can add to what you, Roger,
Steve, and shipwrech have already stated, except *Good Luck*
Dani and hope we hear from off and on. You also Buck912


glen

[lildani14]

I'm from Scribner. North of Fremont about a half an hour. I only do ASA ball in the summer when i don't have games. So I don't get a lot of games in a season. I play for Logan View. There are about 5 of us younger kids getting into umpiring out here. Two my age (not counting me) and two four years older than us.

[Panda Bear]

Glad to hear of someone such as yourself who is a player and young that wants to step up to the responsibility of being an official. I concur with the comment about accepting any and all opportunities to work games. Nothing beats experience. 3 things come to mind.

1. Don't be intimidated by higher level games. I find that often the better players and coaches can be easier to work with. They are usually more professional, thats why they are playing those higher level games. Just be honest and consistent.

2. Take advantage of the opportunity to work entry level games. These games are not always as attractive to some senior umps, but they are another opportunity to gain experience and refine your skills.

3. Don't be afraid to move your feet! The positioning mechanics materials from all the sanctioning bodies are good info., but remember to move to get the best view you can. Hustle from the ump gets noticed, and it tells those coaches and parents, etc. that you really care.

Good luck and have a lot of fun!