It's a Head Game

compiled by Joel Balberman


To excel in any field of endeavor, an individual must possess command of his or her mental capabilities. Support for this statement can be drawn from many fields - the business world, academia, athletics, the arts and so on. Indeed, it can be said of anyone who is at the top of their craft, whatever it may be, that what sets them apart is their mental approach to what they do. Control and utilization of the mind are the factors that create the success these people consistently demonstrate.

What this means is that the top performers have mastered the mental approach to their work. This begins with their preparation for the task, carries through the execution phase and continues to their follow up and self-evaluation.

How does this apply to umpiring? A very worthwhile question!

Have you ever asked yourself what sets apart the umpire that rises through the ranks to the highest levels from the ones who become proficient, but not excellent? What qualities do these umpires possess? What makes them different?

If you delved into these questions, at the root of the answers you would come up with would be the mental mastery that people of excellence from all walks of life possess. Included in the list of attributes would be:

  • mental practice and visualization are employed
  • ability to focus on the task even in the face of trying circumstances
  • self-talk is employed to control emotional intensity or motivate performance
  • frank and honest self-evaluation of performance are used without recourse to excuses

Lack of control of the mind can be the downfall of umpires. To perform with consistency and proficiency, an umpire must get into the proper "head space" and occupy it game in and game out, from inning to inning; indeed, from one pitch to the next. How many umpires do you know who can be sailing along through a game totally unnoticed, having a great game, until something happens?

The "something" could come from anywhere, but when it happens, everyone knows, because after that, the rest of the game is one you do not want to be witness to, as far as the quality of officiating goes.

Umpires who can learn to use the mind, and occupy the appropriate head space, will be going a long way toward achieving excellence in their on-field work. The search for the proper mental approach is not a destination, but a journey. Have a great trip!


Joel Balberman lives in Brantford, Ontario. For more information on him [Click Here].


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