GOOD UMPIRING

Being in proper physical condition is an essential requirement for a baseball umpire. The game requires the umpire to move quickly to obtain the proper position to render the best judgment on a play. Today’s athletes work hard to be prepared to participate at a high-level and no less should be expected from the umpiring crew.

Decisions must be made positively and with good timing, and umpires must not be too hasty in calling a play. Umpires must guard against rendering decisions prematurely. It is considered the best procedure, when an umpire has to run to get into position on a play, to come to a stop where he/she can see all of the action clearly. Try to make all decisions while stopped. Good umpires cultivate their voices to increase authority implied by the spoken word. A strong voice is a valuable asset. All calls should be made loudly and clearly so that players of both teams can hear them.

Good umpiring is dependent, to a large extent, upon a complete knowledge and understanding of the rules. In fact, to be a competent umpire, it is necessary to know the rules thoroughly. To know the rules thoroughly requires constant and analytical study. It is not sufficient to only read the rules, but they must be studied so that the mental pictures of plays in situations result. Having develop clarity in the mental pictures, the umpire will be able to immediately recognize the situation and correctly rule on it automatically.

Proper umpiring mechanics are essential in attaining the best coverage. Many umpires who know the rules will fail to be accepted because their mechanics are poor. When a crew or a team of umpires use proper mechanics, it is rare for a play to occur without one of them being in the desired decision to see all of the play clearly. Mechanics, or play coverage, must be mastered if the umpire is to be successful. It is important that all umpires take the best position possible for any given play without being in the way of any player or thrown ball. An umpire should opt for the best angle first then move in and get as close as possible.

Umpires are encouraged to ignore spectator comments. If warranted, the umpire should request that game management handle unruly or unsportsmanlike behavior from spectators. Every crowd will include a number of people who will heckle an umpire, and some believe it is a legitimate part of a ball game. Umpires should ignore all but extreme profane, racist, or derogatory comments. In those situations, umpires shall not directly communicate with any belligerent fan. Rather, the umpire(s) shall request a home teams management to properly handle the issue.