On the Field Professionalism By Anthony Garcia I received an email from my assignor and attached to it was an email from a coach. It began “Joanne, you often get emails from me complaining about the umpires at my games but this one is different.” The coach went on to compliment the umpires on the double header we had worked
What it takes to be an Excellent Umpire
Do you want to be an Excellent umpire? Let us start this article with this message: the best officials, the officials that rise to the top, are masters of rules and mechanics. But they are also the few that live in that world of game and situation management in between being soft and being a hard a$$. Your road to
Five Lessons in Leadership
As college umpires, we are all expected to be professional at all time – on and off the field. We are also expected to be knowledgeable of the requirements for leadership – the exercise of authority, handling mistakes, teamwork, and human nature. Let’s review these traits of leadership and how they relate to umpiring. Use your authority skillfully Umpires, especially
Someone is Always Watching and Listening
This article includes excerpts from article in Referee.com, October 24, 2018 When we sign up to be an official, we should understand there is a higher standard of behavior for our actions on the field or court. But what about when we are not wearing the uniform? Like it or not officials are public figures, even at the amateur levels.
Put a Bad Call or Game in the Rearview Mirror
Every umpire has made a bad call during a game, whether they will admit it or not. Also, many of us have had one of those games he or she would rather forget. Whether it was a kicked call, problems with a partner or crewmate, or argumentative players and coaches, it is not always easy to put those games in
Is “Good Job” Good Enough?
Excerpts from article on Referee.com, 1/21/19 A good quote to remember: “There are no two words in the English language more harmful than, ‘Good job.’” How often do you walk into the locker room after a game, shake hands with your partner or crewmates and automatically say, “Good job,” before you’ve spent even a moment dissecting the job just completed?
My View from the Stands, NCAA umpire Observer, The Umpire’s Coach.
By Jim Sanderson I am very proud to be the fan for the umpire and share in celebrating great umpiring. The long hours of games allow me time for reflection, as I am often asking what allows some umpires to shine and handle most game situations while others struggle to manage coaches, players and themselves. The umpires that are able
Mental Training
From the presentation at the 2017 NCAA SUP Umpire Clinic, by Sports Psychologist Chris Carr, PhD, HSPP, CC-AASP. Opening remarks – Performance Psychology Performance psychology has to do with excellent performance in a field where excellence counts. So today we are focusing on excellence. Good coping skills are intrinsic to excellence in umpiring. Performance psychology fits right into what umpires
Nine Mental Skills for Successful Umpires
From NFCA Fastpitch Delivery, May 2017, by Joseph Maniscalco Maintaining a positive attitude This important skill can make the difference between advancing to the highest levels of softball umpiring and staying at the level you are at right now. Successful umpires realize that attitude is a choice. That choice is something that defines your character, the person you are, and
CCSUA Umpires Self-Assessment Program
Having both the ability and willingness to self-evaluate is critical to becoming a better college umpire. Look at yourself. Recognize your shortcomings. Understand what you could do better. Don’t study the rules enough? Quick temper? Too technical? Overweight? Once you know what you need to work on, you can start to improve. Wanting to improve is a sign of
CCSUA Self-Assessment Form
CCSUA UMPIRE SELF-ASSESSMENT FORM Name: Date Completed: For all questions, consider these four areas – Rules, Mechanics, Game Management, Protocols. Copy and paste this form into a document you can edit. Then complete it and save it. What were your goals going into the season and why (some detail)? Overall how would you rate
Umpire Uniform and Equipment
A very important part of a college umpire’s professionalism is his/her appearance and having the proper equipment. Is every item of your uniform and equipment “TV ready?” Here are some suggestions. Uniform and Equipment annual checkup An umpire’s uniforms and equipment need an annual check-up to assure they are in top condition, similar to the yearly check-up with your
Code of Ethics
Master rules and mechanics; exercise authority in an impartial, firm and controlled manner. Work with each other and your umpire associations in a constructive and cooperative manner. Uphold the honor and dignity of the profession in all interactions with student-athletes, coaches, athletic directors, school administrators, colleagues, and the public. Prepare self both physically and mentally, dress neatly/appropriately, and comport yourself