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