Some Practical Advice For Umpires

by Joel Balberman

1. Umpiring is a pursuit that demands the most of its practitioners. Integrity, fairness and impartiality are all necessary. Feelings must be kept under control at all times.

2. Hustle at all times. Run from position to position. Never walk. Look sharp!

3. On the field, you work as a team with your partner. Communicate with each other. Use the umpire-to-umpire signals to keep track of counts, the number of outs, infield fly situations etc.

4. At ground rules use the K.I.S.S. principle - Keep It Short and Simple! The plate umpire should do the talking. Answer questions and get on with the game.

5. Between innings, both umpires stand on the 1st base side in foul territory. From this position you can best keep the game moving and hustle the players on and off the field.

6. Allow the pitcher to have warm-up pitches, as allowed. Usually after the first inning, less than the maximum will be sufficient. After the warm-up pitches, keep the catcher around the plate. It is not necessary for teams to have a huddle each inning.

7. After 3 outs, do not catch or handle the ball. You may be handling a live ball, or denying a team the opportunity to make a play, or an appeal. If the ball it thrown to you, just re-direct it to the pitcher's area.

8. Always support your fellow umpires. If you are at a game, do not criticize other umpires. Keep your comments to yourself. If someone asks you for an interpretation on a play that happened in a game, tell them that you are not at liberty to comment, and that the inquiry should be re-directed to the umpire-in-chief.

9. It is not a good idea to cheer for any team when you attend a game, even if you are not working at that time.

10. When a game ends, hustle off the diamond with you partner . Reserve any discussion until you are away from the diamond and any potential listeners.