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