Clinic Notes
Summary of Topics Covered
Highlights from the Post-Clinc Discussion
The Three Facts of Life of Umpiring!
1) The best umpires don't always get the best games.
2) You can't please everyone.
3) It's not how good you think you are, it's how good other people think you are that counts.
What Do Coaches Want?
1) Get the call right.
2) Get the pitch right.
Perception is Reality
1) What people percieve to be true, is true to them!
2) People have a perception of what an umpire should look like.
What Seperates the Top Umpires?
1) They are good at successfully handling conflicts.
Biggest Complaints from Coaches.
1) Umpire is Arrogant
2) Won't talk to me
3) Talking to players and coaches too much.
4) Acts like he is doing us a favor.
5) Acts bored.
6) A know-it-all.
7) A wise guy.
8) Doesn't hustle.
9) Wants to make the big call.
Types of Arguments
1) legitimate
2) intimidation
3) Personality
4) Situational
Why Coaches Come out.
1) Thinks you missed the play.
2) Thinks you misinterpreted a rule.
3) To protect or support a player.
4) Wants the umpire to bail his team out.
5) Presure from the dugout.
6) Pressure from the fans.
Handling the Coach
1) Call "Time" and allow him on the field.
2) Meet him half way if you can.
3) Turn so your back is to the coaches fans and he is facing them.
4) Be carefull of your body language.
5) Calm him down.
6) Listen to him without interuption and keep eye contact.
7) Do not let him demonstrate.
8) Tell him what you saw.
Good Sayings When Handling the Coach
1) Coach, what did you see?
2) Do you really think that played did that intentionally?
3) Your batter didn't act like it hit him.
4) And your point is...???
5) What rules applies to this play?
6) Coach, we're not going to be yelling today.
Bullet Proof Answers
1) Coach, he's ok for me.
2) I didn't like the pitch! Throw another one and lets see what happens.
3) It as a tough call, and I did the best I could. (Dont say"I didn't see it")
4) OK coach, you had your say....lets play ball!
5) Coach, if you don't return to your dugout you are going to get ejected for delaying the game.
Worst Thing You Can Say
1) Coach, you can't come out here. It was a judgment call.
2) I didn't see it
Random Coach Handling Tips
1) Keep your poise.
2) Be aware of your body language.
3) It's ok to make them THINK your mad, just don't actually BE mad.
4) Let the coach have his say. (In normal tone and volume)
5) Don't be a hard nose, be reasonable.
6) Don't be a rulebook umpire.
7) Have good spirit and intent.
8) Let them play the game!
Handling Sniper Fire
1) "This is your warning for the rest of the game on balls and strikes."
2) Don't go after a key player unless yuo're sure.
3) Use your partner to help determine who the sniper is.
4) Deal with it between innings
5) Or, make a point for everyone...."Is that your contribution for the whole game?"
If I'm not right, please GOD, make me look right!
