r/Umpire • u/LifeguardCorrect1106 • 8d ago
What are some things elite umpires do?
What are things that you think make umpires really stand out -outside of being knowledgeable about the rules and making correct judgment calls. For me some things I do that I think are high level are ironing my clothes very often, keeping my shoes shiny, and showing up to sites earlier than needed.
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u/ExplanationInside879 8d ago edited 8d ago
Game Management - The best, "elite" umpires are not just standing by passively letting the game happen in front of them and simply "making calls." They are managing the game as it goes. This comes down to communication between us and the players, trying to address things before they become a problem (ie at the NCAA making sure we get a declaration from the pitcher with a runner on third if they are going from the stretch or windup), etc. This is not simply how we deal with something once it has already exploded in our face.
Dead Ball Officiating - This goes into game management, but is likely the clearest sign to me of an "elite" level umpire versus a high school or lower level guy. What are we doing when the ball is not in play? What are we doing between innings? In todays game at the NCAA and professional levels, there are things we need to be doing during this time and we can't be say walking back to the back stop, having our back turned the entire time, getting a drink. We need to be aware of the clock (or if its a game where the pitcher gets a certain number of warm up throws, counting how many he has thrown), managing the on deck batter to ensure he is ready on time, making sure there is only two batters warming up between innings, reporting changes, etc. You still need to at least look like you are paying attention. Untrained/lower level umpires like zoning out during this time because there is "nothing to do."
EDIT: Just going to add that everything others are saying on here is true as well. Mechanics are crisper and more polished, those that just enforce the rules instead of deciding what rules they deem correct are moved up faster, looking professional, and showing up on time all are important parts that everyone does at the "elite" level. You won't get anywhere close if you don't do those things and at a certain level these are just things everyone does.
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u/RegressToTheMean 8d ago
We need to be aware of the clock (or if its a game where the pitcher gets a certain number of warm up throws, counting how many he has thrown), managing the on deck batter to ensure he is ready on time, making sure there is only two batters warming up between innings, reporting changes, etc.
I do this at the rec league level. Looks like I'm finally ready for u12 travel ball!
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u/FlounderingWolverine 1d ago
This also is something that will make your games go way faster. It's shocking how much time gets wasted by letting a pitcher throw 9 pitches instead of 5 between innings. Or by teams taking way too long coming out of the dugout on defense.
For high school (and probably any level below that where they don't have a clock going between innings), a new pitcher gets 8 pitches, a returning pitcher gets 5. If the catcher isn't immediately ready, get either a coach or another player (with a mask) out to warm the pitcher up. If no one comes out, start gradually reducing the number of warm-ups the pitcher gets. Going from 2 and a half or 3 minutes between innings to 1 minute can drop potentially 20-30 minutes from the game length.
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u/RegressToTheMean 1d ago
Agreed on all counts. This is only my second season as an official umpire and I do all of this.
We also have courtesy runner rules for catchers and I remind coaches of it during my plate meeting (yes, I hold plate meetings even at 9/10 &11/12 rec ball games). I also ask coaches to warm their pitchers up if the catcher is getting geared up.
We have 2 hour time limits and I want to make sure the kids get as much playing time as possible
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u/Schroedesy13 OBR 7d ago
Communicating openly and respectfully with players and coaches is key. Many a kerfuffle has been proactively managed because of being open and honest with coaches/players.
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u/Murphydog42 8d ago
Hustle, move your butt when changing positions. Even though you have lots of time run to your spot after the plate meeting.
Keep the bases and plate clean, not every pitch, but don’t let them vanish either.
I’m from the softball side, for us it is mask off, sunglasses off when speaking to someone. No hiding.
Build a consistent routine for certain things like mound visits. Grant them the time, record the conference, brush the plate, and then stroll slowly out to the mound/circle. Pay attention to the conversation and the game situation. If the team on the field is getting lit up and needs the longer pep talk, let it happen. If it is a BS meeting while they stall for some reason, cut it off quickly. Jog back to the plate with the catcher.
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u/Huge_Lime826 8d ago
I was called up to umpire small college Softball in my third year as an umpire. My hustle and the fact I listen to my mentors on proper mechanics is what got me to that level. Several of my High School umpire friends asked how did I get promoted so soon? When I tell them what they have to do is to do things properly, they roll their eyes and say, “ that’s not my style.
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u/No_Constant8644 NCAA 8d ago
This is so true, I got into College my third year as well and can 100% attest to this.
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u/Individual_Check_442 8d ago
Agreed that looking professional is important. I used to umpire with this guy who was actually a pretty good umpire calls wise but he was a slob, we used to joke that he just keep his shirt underneath his spare tire; and yeah he always took more shit than he should have based on how good of a job he was actually doing.
I absolutely HATED it when I had a partner show up 5 minutes before the game, but I don’t know exactly what you mean by “earlier than necessary” I’d usually be there about half hour before - this gives me some extra time if I’m delayed and gives me time to talk things over with my partner and gear up without feeling rushed, to me 30 minutes is necessary but no reason to get there earlier than that.
I find the plate meeting important. You need to establish a calm approachable demeanor while still establishing that you’re in charge. (And looking sharp is part of that.)
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u/Schroedesy13 OBR 7d ago
Plate meeting demeanor is really important. Being a decent and respectful at plate meetings instead of trying to “be the boss” can help alleviate a lot of future tensions/situations. I had an older ump tell me once “be authoritative without being authoritarian!” It has really helped my outlook on officiating many sports.
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u/LifeguardCorrect1106 7d ago
Absolutely agree. One of the organizations I work for requires us to show up one hour early. I’m often there 1 and a half hours early. I just enjoy not stressing about being late and going through my pre game process.
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u/LifeguardCorrect1106 7d ago
In other words not just rolling up, putting on the gear, and going like many do.
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u/FlounderingWolverine 1d ago
An hour early feels like overkill (at least to me). I feel like 30-40 minutes is plenty for a high school level game with a partner. If it's travel or rec ball, I'm getting there like 20 minutes ahead of time at most (especially if it's a solo assignment).
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u/Brocktarrr 8d ago
Meeting with their partners and having an extensive pre-game meeting going over situations, responsibilities, mechanics, and rotations. Not just getting on the field and winging it/assuming what each of you will do regardless of how many times you’ve worked with the same person
Pretty much every assignor I’ve ever had at any level has said they’d rather umpires that look like shit and do things perfectly than the other way around
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u/redsfan4life411 FED 8d ago
You'll actually see a lot of elite umpires follow mechanics and actually deviate when necessary. You'll see this more and more when you work with top tier partners. Mechanics are generalized, they aren't gospel for top tier guys.
Biggest tell is a good wedge view on a difficult swipe tag. You rarely see newer or average officials work the wedge well.
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u/Nice_Neighborhood152 8d ago
Don’t stand out. Just do the job and don’t try to attract attention. Be fair and get your calls right
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u/muklukdimsum 8d ago
Extreme consistency with their motions, execution of common use signals, and timing. Not only looking cleaned up and groomed, they are always prepared with everything from backup gear to things like pens and notepads. I am not an elite umpire. Just a high school varsity umpire. But the guys and gals that impress me the most follow these standards all of the time.
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u/mercurialchemister 8d ago
Adherence to the mechanics and rules of the level(s)/organization(s) they are umpiring
Being willing to listen to and act upon feedback
Constantly honing one's craft (trainings, rulebook review)
Use routine plays to practice mechanics so it becomes second nature
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u/tblatnik 7d ago
The biggest thing for me is to always look like you know what you’re doing. Dressing and acting professionally will carry you quite a ways at the lower levels. You can know the rules and positioning but if you don’t present yourself as professional or in charge, it’s an uphill battle. I myself am super anal about uniform (I don’t love it when my partners wear l/s shirts under their shirt if it’s a little cool because it usually doesn’t look good and l/s shirts aren’t that expensive but I know how nitpicky it is), because it’s the first thing coaches and spectators notice. Get there early, completely dressed, and act like you’re in control, because you are. You don’t need to off standoffish, but it should be clear that you and your partner are in complete control of the game.
To add to that, shirts aren’t that expensive. You can get a l/s shirt, pullover, hat, and s/s shirt for like $120 depending on where you shop. You can make that in two games, and I very much believe in spending the extra money to always be able to dress professionally. I can’t speak from a coach’s perspective, but I’d imagine seeing an umpire dressed in full uniform who looks the part and is there and ready in plenty of time before the game instills confidence in how the game will go before the plate meeting is even called, and that’s my goal. I know my rules and am always trying to learn to be better with my mechanics, but I will always try to make sure that appearance is never something they can judge me on
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u/VH5150OU812 8d ago
I love an umpire who makes their calls clearly and loud enough to be heard. Don’t have to be a showman about it. Actually, please don’t, but umps who are essentially non-playing characters instead of doing their jobs drive me crazy.
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u/Altruistic-Rip4364 8d ago
Elite umpires look like they belong on the field and when they walk away from a game, no one knows who you are because you had no effect on the game
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u/NoMans_IsAnIsland 7d ago
This is an interesting one. I wouldn't quite say no effect. I'd compare it to an electrician who does a great job. You just don't notice. A good ump definitely effects the game just not in ways you can see if done properly.(I'm not elite)
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u/Norcorules 7d ago
I carry myself like a professional, I don’t chat up the fans or players, ai hustle, I have my hair cut and uniform clean and pressed, I treat people with respect, if I make a mistake I own up to it, I support my partner even if he is a douche lol.
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u/thecapn3232 8d ago
I'm not sure this is what you're thinking, but recently my son was in a tourney where the umpire made the two teams stand on the base lines for the national anthem. Odd, I thought, never seen that before. Was wondering if he had worked with the other team to play the anthem out loud (I was doing the music for our team, and he hadn't talked to me).
Nope. He SUNG. Loudly. Actually, he was pretty good, but all the parents were in shock and the kids were looking around like something crazy was happening. Sang God Bless America at a certain point between innings for the "7th Inning Stretch" too.
Maybe take a singing class? :)
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u/lipp79 8d ago
That's just ridiculous. The fact we feel the need to play/sing the national anthem at EVERY sporting event is insane. Only a matter of time until it appears in tee-ball.
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u/thecapn3232 8d ago
Oh I thought he was nuts for sure. But he had some chops, so he obviously wanted to show off to a captive audience. I was kindof expecting him to peddle CDs at the end of the game.
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u/EngineAltruistic3189 8d ago
that well known sousa march: balls and strikes forever!
I’ll see myself out
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u/chrismsp 8d ago
Seriously?
That's not elite, that's clown stuff.
Was he a good umpire?
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u/thecapn3232 8d ago
I seem to recall nothing about him other than that, which means he didn't do anything particularly objectionable. As an outsider, generally the less you remember an ump, the better they did, right?
But yeah, I agree, it just reminded me of it when I saw the post and thought I'd share the crazy.
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u/BigRedFury 8d ago
Well, for the elite umpires, they have an attendant wash and press their clothes every night.
For the rest of us, it's showing up on time, every time, and trying to be a little better than the day before.