| The biggest problem that a Little League | | | | you can calmly point this out to the |
| faces is many leagues use purely | | | | coach when he first tries to argue a |
| volunteer umpires. If an umpire has | | | | judgment call. |
| taken the time to become proficient | | | | Even though the rules state arguing |
| (attended clinics, discussion boards, | | | | calls involving judgment is not allowed, |
| feedback, mechanics) and invested in | | | | it will happen all the time. It is a |
| quality clothing and equipment, then | | | | part of the game and it actually is |
| they most likely is going to work games | | | | allowed up to a point. Often the coach |
| where a there's a little to no | | | | just wants to heard and he knows, the |
| compensation. Coaches will quickly | | | | umpire is not going to change his call. |
| recognize the casual umpire and make | | | | It is up to the umpire to let him state |
| requests to have them work any other | | | | his case and then promptly ask the coach |
| game then theirs. | | | | to go back to his bench. Once the coach |
| Volunteers whose hearts really are not | | | | refuses to go back to his bench, you can |
| into it can find it a convenient excuse | | | | now play the, arguing calls involving |
| to quit if being an Umpire is too | | | | judgment is not allowed, card and warn |
| demanding. In a league where the umpire | | | | him that he had better go. |
| roster is short, having one quit during | | | | Common across the country, when doing a |
| season can dismantle an entire schedule. | | | | lower level game, remind the coaches, If |
| If you take the challenge, bear it out. | | | | you have a question about a call that is |
| Talk with the league administrator if | | | | made by myself or my partner, feel free |
| things are going poorly. Simple | | | | to ask in a courteous manner and we will |
| solutions may be available that make | | | | be more than happy to answer. |
| your life as an umpire fun again. | | | | Generally at upper level game, this |
| Some of the best volunteers can come | | | | subject is not even brought up. But with |
| from the nearest military installation. | | | | all things, we start at the bottom and |
| There are a lot of young, energetic | | | | work our way to the top or at least to |
| troops who work hard to rise in rank. | | | | our level incompetence. This is where we |
| One of the things that gives them an | | | | as umpires are working outside of our |
| edge up on the competition is a record | | | | comfort level and causing ourselves |
| of community service. If you have a | | | | excessive stress as well as pushing the |
| military source like this nearby, try | | | | envelope with the teams we work for. |
| tapping into it by advertising in the | | | | It is not feasible that all umpires can |
| bases newspaper. If you happen to score | | | | perform at all levels. If you are having |
| the services of a servicemen, be sure to | | | | fun with the 15U recreation league but |
| send along a thank you to the base | | | | the 15U competitive leagues end up in |
| commander for allowing his troops to | | | | recurring arguments with Coaches; drop |
| participate in the community and the | | | | back to where you are having fun. This |
| good work your volunteer has done for | | | | is the key element we express to all the |
| you. | | | | players and should also apply to us as |
| Whenever you accept the duties of being | | | | well. |
| an umpire, get to the local clinics and | | | | When asked a polite question about a |
| meetings as often as possible. Not just | | | | rule interpretation I may have made, or |
| the umpire ones, but the coaches clinics | | | | about the location of a tag or something |
| and meetings as well. Here you will not | | | | trivial like that, take the time honor |
| only find information on the rules and | | | | it with a response to the fan that |
| mechanics of the game, but you will also | | | | inquired, depending on my location |
| be in close contact with the Team | | | | relative to the location of the |
| Administrators, Managers and Coaches. | | | | question-asker. Screaming across the |
| When they see you there, confidence will | | | | diamond is not a good way to |
| rise during season as you both have | | | | communicate, but a brief word through |
| leaned the same and should be on the | | | | the backstop, action and time allowing, |
| same page with respect to the rules and | | | | is alright. |
| details. | | | | If the fans are just complaining and |
| During the game or at the pre-game | | | | whining about calls, do not even look |
| meeting, stating negative things at the | | | | over there. But if I hear a, Did he tag |
| plate meeting like, No arguing judgment | | | | him blue? a quick yes, and the location. |
| calls, sets the game off on a poor note, | | | | This will stop the inquisition |
| and make you seem unapproachable. It is | | | | instantly. It also confirms to the fans |
| the job of the league coordinators to | | | | that you are conscious of them as well |
| see that coaches are taught this | | | | as the game. Lower level games are full |
| concept, and they can also read it in | | | | circle participation. Do not engage |
| the rule book just like we can. But the | | | | discussion with fans, just quick answers |
| reality in young teams with young | | | | when it is convenient for you. |
| coaches and parents is that all the | | | | Loads of fun or a complete nightmare. It |
| rules are not always followed to the | | | | is up to you. The more you involve |
| letter. | | | | yourself the greater the confidence, |
| Be kind with your words and spend some | | | | skill and fun you will have. Showing up |
| time before the game to create a list of | | | | because you said you would without the |
| replies. Then where an inexperienced | | | | background to take control of the game |
| coach might have no idea that arguing | | | | will lead you to a miserable experience. |
| calls involving judgment is not allowed, | | | | |