With the start of another ball season upon us, it is time
to start brushing up on many things which include, but are not limited to rules,
positioning and mechanics. Having a solid understanding of these are traits of
a successful official. How then do we go about brushing up and staying solid?
Rules – The successful official has a sound
grasp of the rules of the game. Recall from the Junior Development clinic that
we as umpires are Decision Makers, Communicators and above all else, Team
Players. In order to effectively perform these roles, we must
constantly review & retain the rules. As a Decision Maker, we must ensure the
application of the right rule at the right time in order to get the call right.
As Communicators, we must inform everyone involved in the game. Including
players, coaches, fans and most importantly our partners of the rule being
applied and as a Team Player, we must know the rules to provide our partners
with solid support in “sticky” situations. There are many ways in which this can
be done:
- Each night, pick one rule to study. Review that
particular rule in the rule book and cross-reference different situations in
the casebook to reinforce what you have read.
- Discuss different situations which have occurred in your
games with a group of fellow officials. See how each of them interpret the
situation, then follow up with the rule book and/or casebook.
- Ask. If you don’t understand a particular rule
or interpretation, ask a fellow official or member of your zone staff.
Positioning & Mechanics – Officiating has
everything to do with angles. We must ensure we are always in the best position
possible to see the play. We have all been caught out of position on occasion
and we know what it feels like when you have to sell the call that you are
“unsure” of. Constant review of the Junior Development manual is an effective
tool to review positioning. I will constantly review positioning via the
manuals before working big games; however, the tool that is most effective is to
watch experienced officials working on the diamond. This will allow you to see
correct positioning from the starting position to the movement on the hit to
getting into the right position to the call and back to the new starting
position. This technique also holds true for mechanics. Manuals give you the
basics. Seeing it done puts mechanics (as well as positioning) in perspective.
The mechanics we use on the diamond are there to help all people involved in the
game know and understand the call being made. We must ensure our mechanics are
clean & crisp. Even if you “blow” one, selling the call through proper
mechanics can make even the toughest coaches believers. Review of positioning &
mechanics:
- Review the manual. This will give you the basic
understanding of positioning & mechanics.
- Watch other officials. See how more experienced umpires
position themselves, move & apply mechanics.
- Practice mechanics in front of a mirror. See how you
look – what looks good & what can use some refinement.
- Learn from your mistakes – we have all made them, the
successful official learns from them.
- Work lots of games. The more experience you get, the
easier it becomes to get the right position and apply the correct rule &
mechanic.
- Ask. If you are unsure of something ask a more
experienced official or a member of your zone staff - we are all here to help!
A solid understanding of rules, positioning and mechanics
is key for the advancing umpire. Demonstrating a solid understanding of the
rules, of positioning and of mechanics will not only improve your on-field
performance, it will also help get you to the next level. By following the tips
outlined above, your game will improve and it will earn you the respect of your
fellow officials, coaches and players. So, take out the rule book and casebook
before you go to bed. Study a rule. Study a situation. Practice mechanics in
front of the mirror and watch other officials. Most importantly: if you don’t
know or are unsure, ask. There are no stupid questions and we’re
a team.
