Food For Thought
by Joel Balberman
One of the best tools we can employ as umpires is self-evaluation. We need to step back periodically and ask some pointed questions in order to assess our growth and status as umpires. Self appraisal is an important tool for anyone who has set goals and wishes to work toward achieving them.
Here are some questions you can ask yourself in the process of self-evaluation:
- Am I improving as an umpire?
- Am I correcting faults that I have recognized?
- Do I take pride in my personal appearance?
- Do I avoid the tendency to act like the big boss on the field?
- Do I regularly review the rule book to keep my knowledge current?
- Do I arrive for games early in order to get ready for games?
- Do I interpret rules in a "hard-headed" manner?
- Is my temper under control?
- Have I learned to avoid the dictator attitude?
- Is it just possible that I could have been wrong?
- Have I attended the necessary clinics?
- Do I co-operate with my fellow officials?
- Do I stay alert on the diamond?
- Am I firm in my decisions?
- Do I help to keep a game moving by hustling myself and the players?
- Do I know what the rules say as well as what they mean?
- Do I know how to be considerate and courteous without sacrificing firmness?
- Do I work with other umpires in a spirit of co-operation?
- Does dignity govern my voice and my manner on the field?
Step up to the table and partake. You owe it to yourself!
Joel Balberman lives in Brantford, Ontario. For more information on him [Click Here].
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