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Umpiring ~ Easy Ways to Gain Respect as an Umpire
You can gain respect as an umpire by simply appearing as an experienced umpire is expected to look. Regardless of your level of skill, your appearance is essential in helping to portray you as someone who is serious when assuming the role and responsibilities of a qualified umpire.
Consider this: Everyone witnessing the game you are umpiring has a little different visual perspective depending on their angle and the distance the happen to be from plays.
Add this with the different expectations and desired outcomes those representing and supporting each team have from the start of the game, and you can see it's no wonder why people tend to disrespect umpires and complain, feeling the umpire is making bad calls against them!
Under these circumstances an umpire has no control; therefore it will benefit him or her to consistently appear as a professional, showing dedication by dressing appropriately. When there is doubt over a judgment call, this can add to your credibility as an umpire.
Your umpire cap should be straight, collar folded in place and shoes shined or at least clean. A wide, black belt if possible, and black or navy socks are standard attire, along with the color slacks and shirt the league prefers.
Wearing one of the inside-the-pants stretchable belts helps to keep the umpires shirt tucked in. The elastic cloth and Velcro type tend to be more comfortable than the rubber ones, in my opinion. Higher quality umpire pants have elastic on the inside of the waist for this purpose, but wearing this belt even with these type umpire pants can assure your shirt stays tucked in.
If you are working the plate your mask should always be carried either tucked under your left arm or in your left hand. Never set your mask on the ground or hang it on the fence.
The brim of your cap should always face forward. An umpire's mask can be quickly removed without knocking your cap off when done properly and with a little practice, even while wearing a cap with a full brim.
If you wear glasses as I do, wear a sport strap if necessary to prevent them from sliding down your nose. If the umpire is continually pushing his or her glasses up to keep them in place during the game, it will be noticed. And the next time an upset spectator thinks the umpire blew a call, that fan will have been given free ammunition to use against that official. He or she could be thinking, "The umpire probably blew that one because his glasses were falling off again!"
Wearing proper attire is essential to appearing professional. It shows the umpire is serious and prepared for the game. These things among others can help to support your ability and competence as a qualified umpire.
Jared Parks
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About the Author
The author has been an umpire since 2000 and officiated in over 750 documented games. He continues to umpire Little League and High School level baseball and softball games.
Hands Free Umpire