WHAT MAKES A GOOD UMPIRE

Perception is Reality.  How are you perceived? Respect the game and all involved on and off the field.

The poorly dressed umpire suffers loss of respect to the same degree that the unkempt businessman does, which may dimish credibility.  

Be teachable.  Your approach to training  says a lot about how you will perform on the field.

Your approach to the game should be that of confidence...not cockiness.  A dignified attitude will often preclude and prevent an argument with coaches & players.

An umpire who is not physically fit is a detriment to the game of baseball.  

Athletes are well conditioned and officials must keep pace.

Decisions must be made positively and with good timing. 

Timidity or over hesitation indicates a lack of confidence.

Most novice umpires must guard against rendering decisions prematurely.

Good judgment is acquired through experience.

Decisions must be made on the basis of fact.

Every umpire will sometime err in his judgment. NEVER ATTEMPT TO 'EVEN IT UP'.

Good umpiring is dependent, to a large extent, upon a complete knowledge and understanding of the rules and applying them properly.  

Constant and analytical study, mental pictures of plays and situations, is important.

Frequent errors in rule interpretation or in judgment quickly cause the players, coaches and spectators to lose confidence.

Umpires who know the rules well fail to be accepted because their mechanics are poor.   It is important to take the best position possible without being in the way of players and thrown or batted ball.

Competent umpires effectively execute their duties without flair.   Quiet dignity is much more effective.

Proper handling/defusing of unsportsmanlike situations. 

Dealing with irate coach or player - don't look to battle.

Dealing with unsportsmanlike behavior; on the bench or on the field - know when to 'nip' it in a

professional manner before it gets out of hand.

Professional handling of ejections.  Be sure you and partner know your responsibilities.

Keep game moving.   One minute between 1/2 innings; line-up card changes done efficiently and quickly; conferences held to reasonable length of time.

Makes no difference how great your judgment, mechanics or rules knowledge if you do things that cause people to perceive you negatively.  

Do you yank your mask and mount the dugout when you start getting flak on pitches?  Use the old "one more word" line?

If a batter mutters something under his breath while walking away, do you follow him and demand to know what he said?  

In an argument, must you have the first, middle and last word?  In all cases you look like the aggressor.

Do you have mannerisms that unwittingly convey fear or a lack of confidence?

To know the rules and mechanics and have good judgment is essential.  All that is for naught, however if for whatever reason you are perceived as dictatorial, humorless, clueless and the like.

Be nice.  Don't look for trouble.  Strive for excellence, not perfection.