MINI UMPIRE TRAINING MANUAL:

You are in charge of the game, don’t forget that, but don’t let it go to your head An umpire watches and tells everybody what just happened, so be loud and confident in your calls It is not the umpire’s job to be “fair”. An umpire’s job is to make sure the game is played properly by the rules so that neither team gains an advantage not intended by the rules Keep the game moving: encourage coaches to get the catcher out there. Limit warm-ups to 5 pitches Strikes and Outs Keep the game moving Develop a consistent strike zone and stick with it through the whole game Get set early and put your head in the same place in the slot Make sure you can see the whole strike zone Watch the pitch all the way in to the catcher’s mitt but don’t move your head If it’s a hittable pitch, it’s most likely a strike If it’s high AND a little outside, it’s a ball. If it’s low AND a little outside, it’s a ball Call those strikes on inside corner – the inside is part of the plate too Use the catcher’s mitt to help you call the pitch When in doubt, call ‘em out. Studies show you will be right almost all of the time When in doubt, reward good play. If you think they might be out, and the defense made a good play, call ‘em out. If you think they might be out, and the defense screwed up, call ‘em safe You will be judged by the obvious: Ball & Strike, Safe & Out. Take your time and get those right, and everything else will go well However: if you don’t know the rules, it will show. Read your rulebook. Twice. At least Be confident: if you pay attention during training and read your rulebook at least twice cover-to-cover, you will know the rules better than anyone else at the game, and you will have no trouble showing it Expect the unexpected. The younger the kids, the weirder the plays Stay focused and stay alert: sometimes that can be hard when it’s 98 degrees, and neither pitcher can find the strike zone on a map Keep your eye on the ball: nothing can happen without the ball Let the ball take you to the play – don’t assume a throw will be made and turn away Be confident in your calls: get to the right place, take your time and you’ll get it right. Let ‘em know Get in proper position: get a better angle on the play rather than getting too close Hustle: try to be stopped when the play happens Pause, Read, React: Take your time and think about what you just saw, pause, and make the call loud and clear Loud & Proud: tell everyone you know you got that call right Get it Right: Don’t argue with coaches, but do discuss if needed. Confer with your partner if needed to get it right Understand that umpires will make mistakes. Don’t try to make up for a bad call. Let it go. Call what you see on the next one.No make-up calls, no making calls up Support your partner: try and watch the play if the other umpire has the call. You can’t change his call, but you can offer information if he asks. Be a team: back each other up out there What if something weird happens and I can’t remember the right call ? First, calm down and think. Maybe it will come to you. Don’t make stuff up Don’t think what’s “fair” – think what’s unfair. Think “if the rule really was that way how could a team take unfair advantage of it ?” That may lead you to the right rule, so make the call This is a commitment: be prompt and professional Show up on time: 20 minutes before the game and take charge – start on time Make sure you get an appropriate replacement if needed If you look professional, you’ll be treated that way, so wear a neat and clean uniform and hat Don’t chat with your friends between innings – keep the game moving Stay safe Wear your gear properly – don’t go without protector or shin guards Wear your cap tight and your mask loose –hang the mask off the brim of your cap Wear a cup – always, even if you think you have the bases – you never know if your partner won’t show up and it’s hard to concentrate when you’re worried about getting your bell rung Wear proper shoes - cleats so you don’t slip On hot days make sure to drink plenty of fluids before and during the game No matter what call you make, 50% of the people think you blew it. Don’t listen to the crowd Don’t put up with nonsense from coaches. Get a Board member involved if needed Did I mention be loud and clear with your calls and signals ? LOUD. CLEAR