Earning Respect
by Joel Balberman
Every person has the need to feel competent and appreciated. One thing that can enhance these positive feelings as an umpire is to know that you are respected. Respect is something that is difficult for an umpire to earn, and make no mistake about it, you must earn your respect.
Sometimes respect is a by-product of years of service; you are known and understood by the players and coaches. They have seen you work over the years, and gained respect for your abilities. Lesser experienced or beginning umpires do not have the advantage of this type of respect. Rather, you may be someone that is challenged to see how you will respond. How you respond can go a long way toward earning the respect you desire.
Here are some ideas to help you gain and maintain respect:
1. Knowledge of the rules
As an umpire, you are expected to know the rules. Rules can be difficult to learn and interpret. Sit down and read the rule book, one rule at a time, visualizing the plays and trying to understand why the rule is written the way it is. Regardless of how many years you have umpires, continue to review the rules and discuss them with your fellow umpires. Don't get hung up on the technicality of the rule, but rather strive to understand its intent and purpose. Umpires that nit-pick and look for trouble are bound to find it. Read and study the rule book; don't attempt to read it as if it were a novel.
2. Appearance
An umpire who looks like he/she knows what he/she is doing immediately commands more respect. If an umpire came on the field wearing shin guards on the outside of his pants, and an inside chest protector outside his coat, he can never hope to gain respect. A clean, neat appearance and sharp uniform worn properly can help to start things off on the right foot.
3. Attitude
If you can instill in the players and coaches that you are there to help them play the game and be its impartial judge, you have gone a long way in gaining their respect. The "I am G-d, don't tread on me" attitude has no place in umpiring. So many coaches have said, "I don't like so-and-so as an umpire because I can't talk to him."You will get complaints; this is part of your job. Accept them, provided they don't get personal or prolonged. If an argument is presented in a reasonable manner, listen. Once the point has been made, simply say, "Coach, you have had your say. I called the play the way I saw it. Now let's play ball." If he/she continues to argue or gets carried away, you have no alternative except to remove him/her for the day.
Handling difficult situations becomes the best way to gain respect and become recognized as a top calibre umpire. Each person is of a different temperament, and no two people handle a situation the in same way. More times than not, it's your attitude that makes the all-important difference.
4. Responsibility
Coaches complain bitterly when umpires show up late for games or don't show up at all. There should be no excuse, short of your death, to ever miss a game. Plan to have ample travel time to get to the park early. If you have to cancel an assignment, call you assignor in advance, not on the day of the game. or even worse, an hour before it. Always carry your plate equipment just in case you have to fill in for a missing or injured partner.Taking responsibility extends to being accountable for you own advancement or lack of it. It is the person who looks back at you from the mirror who determines how far you will go. Reflect on your experiences on the diamond, and learn from them. Be honest in your self-evaluation. Be willing to listen and benefit from the counsel of others. Ask questions both or yourself and others. When you reach the conclusion that you control your own fate, you will be taking a huge step toward the toughest type of respect you can ever gain: self-respect.
Joel Balberman lives in Brantford, Ontario. For more information on him [Click Here].
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