To Thine Own Self Be True

by Joel Balberman

As is often the case, the most important message that Jim brought to us that day may have been missed by some of the umpires at the clinic in all the excitement, discussion and instruction. Jim made the following statement about being an umpire:

"The number of people at your funeral will depend on the weather that day."

At first glance, this appears to be a very depressing, crass and cynical statement. Let's try to get beyond the emotional response. If we take the time to analyze what Jim shared with us, he was teaching some valuable lessons about the role of an umpire.

The only person you know for sure will be at your funeral is you. You are the person that you have to satisfy and live with. Ultimately, we all must do what we feel is right and make our own decisions about how we want to live our lives. This means that you set the standard for yourself. In order to do this, you must take with you onto the diamond a clear set of values - ones that you have thought through and reflect internal consistency.

There are many values questions that are worthy of consideration. Here are some examples:

What values do you represent and uphold when you step onto the field?

What are your beliefs about fair play, sportsmanship, competition?

What do you see as your role as an umpire?

What responsibilities do you feel you have toward the players, coaches, spectators and supporters of the game?

How are your beliefs and values reflected in your interactions with others?

What does the sport mean to you? How much do you value it? Do you see it as a part of your role to be an ambassador for the sport?

Do you see it as your role to try to impart your values on those you come in contact with?

Is amateur sport merely a reflection of professional athletics?

Do you understand how your values may influence your interpretation and application of the playing rules?

Make no mistake about it, your values affect the way you umpire. Evans' comments ring true if we take the time to consider another aspect of his statement. As umpires, we cannot let our decisions be governed by the desire to make others happy. This is not to say that the opinions of others do not matter. Indeed, if the work of an umpire in constantly met with criticism and complaint, that umpire had better do some soul-searching, and try to address the concerns.

We all know umpires who have made the mistake of thinking that they can walk the line between friend and authority figure. These umpires have a greater desire to be liked than their need to be respected. They set up an impossible expectation and feel that they can do justice to both. If your desire is to be liked rather than being respected, choose another hobby.

What Evans was telling us is that as umpires, we must operate by doing what we feel is right, and then we have to let the chips fall where they may. We cannot control what others will think of us. We can only be true to ourselves.

Recently, I discovered a poem that provides some useful food for thought. I hope that we all take the time to reflect on what is important to us in our involvement as umpires.

BE CAREFUL

Be careful of your thoughts
For your thoughts become your words
Be careful of your words
For your words become your actions
Be careful of your actions
For your actions become your habits
Be careful of your habits
For your habits become your character
Be careful of your character
For your character becomes your destiny

Author Unknown