By Keith Sherman

 

I have a few things to say as I get ready to start another season of umpiring baseball.

 

First, as an umpire, I'm a volunteer, that means I'm giving up time with my family to be out there and I call anywhere from one to six games in a day. Yes, I do receive some compensation for my efforts and in exchange for that I hustle on every play to be in the right spot to make the call. Yes, despite my best efforts I will make a mistake occasionally. Yes, I read the rule book. In fact, I read it before the season starts and I go back during the season to re-read it, even after a day of calling games to make sure I got a call right. I also call games in different leagues which have different rules for different age groups, so I have to stay on top of this as well.

 

Coaches, you have a responsibility to know the rules of the game. Just because you played the game doesn't mean you know the rules. You have a responsibility to coach your players and teach them the fundamentals of the game and teach them sportsmanship. Your players watch you all the time, set the proper example for them. If you don't like a call I've made, call time and ask to discuss it with me. I will always talk with a coach about a call as long as the conversation stays respectful. I even go over this fact during ground rules.

 

Parents, you also have responsibilities. First, have your child at the game on time. It will help the coach out a great deal. It also helps if they have all of their equipment with them. It's perfectly fine to cheer for your son/daughter's team. It is OK to express the fact you may not like a call I have made, however, keep it within reason and good taste, remember, your child will hear what you say. I have had to eject a parent or two from a game because of their use of profanity. Know the rules, I can't tell you how many times I have heard a parent's comment about a call I've made and it simply was a case of them not knowing the rules, i.e. the infield fly rule. Don't get into an argument with the parents from the other team, yes, I have had this happen, once before the game even got started.

 

In case you are wondering, I do evaluate myself after games. I try and go back over the different plays, especially the ones that happen quickly or have something out of the ordinary happen to make sure I have made the correct call per the rules. I also work to make sure I stay calm when discussing anything with coaches because there are times those conversations can become heated fairly quickly. Overall, I don't think I have scored myself above a 90 on any game. It is amazing how many variables factor into each and every play from the time the pitcher starts their delivery to the play is over.

 

Remember, at the end of the day, this is not game seven of the world series.

LOVE THIS!

"Hey blue, I respectfully disagree with your call" :lol2:

 

This is very well thought out and very true. It's not just coaches arguing that makes things bad, it's everyone. Parents and players included.

 

Depending on the level, there is only one umpire at times and there is a lot to see. That makes it difficult.

Good article. One thing: how are you a volunteer, but you do get compensation? I think true volunteers should get the ultimate margin for error. If I am paying to you to do a job, along with another coach, we expect a certain amount of hustle, experience and decision making. I do think some of coaches expect mlb umpires for 60 bucks and game, but most coaches know that there are going to be flaws in game calling at most age levels. You are right, along with umpires the coaches should know the rules.

Good stuff.

All Youth sports would be better by simply placing all parents in a sound proof box!

 

Umping aint easy!

All Youth sports would be better by simply placing all parents in a sound proof box!

 

Umping aint easy!

 

I try my hardest to remember this when I'm coaching. I've found as long as you stay approachable and treat them with respect, most will listen to what you have to say.

As it appears you are an umpire in youth leagues I agree with your comments 100%, including the stretch of calling yourself a "volunteer." Compensation for youth umpires is, let's just say, poor at best for the abuse they sometimes take and in my mind, that qualifies you as a volunteer. Your points about knowing the rules are dead on and usually the reason for the majority of parental and coaching disagreements, not just with umpires but in the parent - coach relationship as well.

Worked middle school games and tourney games throughout the summer last year, it'll sure make you respect all umpires at every level.

Good article. One thing: how are you a volunteer, but you do get compensation? I think true volunteers should get the ultimate margin for error. If I am paying to you to do a job, along with another coach, we expect a certain amount of hustle, experience and decision making. I do think some of coaches expect mlb umpires for 60 bucks and game, but most coaches know that there are going to be flaws in game calling at most age levels. You are right, along with umpires the coaches should know the rules.

Good stuff.

 

I will accept as many $60 / game assignments as anyone has out there...point me in that direction. I take a lot more for a lot less typically

Maybe it's just me but I thought the letter was weak. While his points are spot on about fans and coaches it comes across as "don't be mean to me because I'm not a pro and I try hard." If you're going to do it do it right and accept what comes with it. It has a whiny feel to me.

 

You know going in that most fans and many coaches do not know the rules. If your expectation is that they should then you're in the wrong business. If ignorant (literally - not the "mean" definition) yell at you when you're 100% right and that bothers you - go sit with them.

 

It's not for everyone but don't cry when you don't like reactions you get.

I will accept as many $60 / game assignments as anyone has out there...point me in that direction. I take a lot more for a lot less typically

 

very true. After working your regular job as well.

I will accept as many $60 / game assignments as anyone has out there...point me in that direction. I take a lot more for a lot less typically

 

Truer words have never been spoken... :lol:

Maybe it's just me but I thought the letter was weak. While his points are spot on about fans and coaches it comes across as "don't be mean to me because I'm not a pro and I try hard." If you're going to do it do it right and accept what comes with it. It has a whiny feel to me.

 

You know going in that most fans and many coaches do not know the rules. If your expectation is that they should then you're in the wrong business. If ignorant (literally - not the "mean" definition) yell at you when you're 100% right and that bothers you - go sit with them.

 

It's not for everyone but don't cry when you don't like reactions you get.

 

I really do think you are being a little hard.

I really do think you are being a little hard.

 

Guy is begging for something that will never change.

Guy is begging for something that will never change.

 

He posted that to his Facebook Friends. I asked him for permission to post it on BGP.

 

Any way we cut it, there is some good info for parents in the article and that is the point.