becoming an umpire

[SoCalASABlue]

All of the clinics I have attended have been within the last five years, so obviously I do not have as much experience as Wade and MTR. It has been frustrating for me to work with partners - who are supposed to be my "mentors" and trainers - ignore illegal pitches (and tell me not to call them as a BU) because the game would become a walkfest. I realize that not being as experienced as these "vets", it is useless for me to bring the subject up to my association officials because all I am ever told is that I just haven't worked enough. At every annual clinic I have attended, it is always repeated that making it through the first 3 years is the hardest because that's how long it takes to develop that hard outer shell necessary for an umpire. Quite frankly, the hardest part so far has been to watch (both as a BU and observer) various rules not being enforced. I'm not talking about judgment calls either. Even as "inexperienced" as I am, I do know the difference between rules interpretations and judgment calls. Sometimes the judgment calls are tough to stomach too - like being told "there was no contact, so there is no obstruction/interference". But rule #1 is to have your partner's back, so I will continue to do so while working on my own skills.

So my comments on this post as well as the "SS interference" post were written from my own anecdotal experience, not as a general inference on umpiring in general. I still enjoy it, will continue to do it, and will do my best every time I put on the gear.

So - being the new guy and recognizing how things work on this site with new posters - fire away!

[wadeintothem]

Welcome to hey bucket! I think it sounds like you'll be just fine out there!

Love of the game and love of umpiring is the biggest steps!

Keep working on YOUR game. Every game be working on something. You should be able to verbalize what you are working on.

There are scrubs, there are 20 year "vets" who have never opened a rule book, goof balls, and a lot of GOOD umpires. Find the good ones and learn!
Again, welcome.

[luv2ump]

Criticism already by Supersuds, any way pixsguy try to learn as much as you can from your partners,take the things that are good and learn what not to do from the bad, Good Luck. Everyone has a style and a different way of doing things find what is best for you.

[nohesitation]

I would say your minimum requirements for umpiring would be studying rules and using contemporary umpiring mechanics. Your long term goal is the art of sportsmanship. Apply the rules artfully, thereby preserving the game. Being able to enjoying the game for what it is, with proper consideration for fairness, ethics, respect, and a sense of fellowship with umpires, coaches, players and fans.

[MTR]

All of the clinics I have attended have been within the last five years, so obviously I do not have as much experience as Wade and MTR. It has been frustrating for me to work with partners - who are supposed to be my "mentors" and trainers - ignore illegal pitches (and tell me not to call them as a BU) because the game would become a walkfest.

Unfortunately, that is sometimes true. That doesn't mean you just ignore them an turn away. If they don't want you to call them, at least raise the issue with the coach early in the season. Let them know what you see and why it is illegal.

I realize that not being as experienced as these "vets", it is useless for me to bring the subject up to my association officials because all I am ever told is that I just haven't worked enough.

And when you do "work enough", whatever that is, do you just turn on a switch and all of a sudden you are a stud at calling IPs, obstruction, interference and the rest of the rules?

At every annual clinic I have attended, it is always repeated that making it through the first 3 years is the hardest because that's how long it takes to develop that hard outer shell necessary for an umpire.

Rubbish! The first three years is toughest on the associations retaining umpires because of all the abuse they are expected to take, which is also bullshit.

Quite frankly, the hardest part so far has been to watch (both as a BU and observer) various rules not being enforced. I'm not talking about judgment calls either. Even as "inexperienced" as I am, I do know the difference between rules interpretations and judgment calls. Sometimes the judgment calls are tough to stomach too - like being told "there was no contact, so there is no obstruction/interference". But rule #1 is to have your partner's back, so I will continue to do so while working on my own skills.

So, again, all these SoCal folks who constantly complain about umpires not making calls may have a valid argument. I find it hard to believe, but based on what you are saying here......

So - being the new guy and recognizing how things work on this site with new posters - fire away!

Just do the job for which you are being paid. A mentor is only as good as the help provided. Common sense and survival is one thing. Anything else just shouldn't be acceptable to the teams, your association and yourself.

[SoCalASABlue]

MTR and Wade;

Thanks for the feedback and the advice. As Gunny Highway (Clint Eastwood) so eloquently said (and which I have adopted as my own personal motto) "adapt - improvise - overcome".

[GIMNEPIWO]

MTR and Wade;

Thanks for the feedback and the advice. As Gunny Highway (Clint Eastwood) so eloquently said (and which I have adopted as my own personal motto) "adapt - improvise - overcome".

I thought he said "this is a clusterf*ck"

Thank you ... thank you very much

[pixsguy]

i keep hearing about the tough skin, but ive always been able to zoneout the crowd noise...as far as mechanics, mentor is guy ive coached with and against and ive watched grow from a recball ump into a ncaa level ump with LA COASTLINE, so i think ill have a good foundation to start with...ill focus on rec fallball and see what happens in the spring...wiht the cost of the gear, love it or hate it, itll take a year to decide...