"Ten Comments"
by Vance Harris
In responding to the first survey on Umpire Training Vance Harris added these ten comments. Each umpire draws certain lines and sets a tone while they are on and off the field. Vance's list may not be your list but many times I have taken that second to pause, remember a short phrase from my personal list, and handled the situation just a little differently. Each of us needs to establish our guidelines and conform consistently to them. I remember my first instructor remarking about the strike zone, "It starts with the amount of shine on my shoes and how clean my shirt is." Wise words.
| 1 | A congenial attitude and professional appearance are essential. Clean, ironed shirts and trousers go a long way. If you look good and keep your mouth shout nobody will know you stink until you prove it. |
| 2 | Never be confrontational. Don't carry a chip. |
| 3 | Be courteous but not too friendly. Nobody cares what you did last night. |
| 4 | Answer questions about judgement plays or rule interpretations in a calm and professional manner |
| 5 | Never argue with players or mom. Confer with coaches only. |
| 6 | Don't take abuse from anybody. When they get personal with you warn them only once, then run 'em (fans included) |
| 7 | Know all the rules of your game and accept full responsibility for your interpretation of the rules. |
| 8 | Don't go looking for trouble .... you are going to find it! |
| 9 | Be patient with lesser experiences (younger) players. |
| 10 | Don't go looking for balks. If you think everybody in the park saw it, call it! Call all technical balks EARLY in the game. |
Vance Harris can be contacted at : bbob@aol.com.
email: with your comments