Game Management
2008
National Umpire School
Game Management
Five Factors of Successful Umpiring
•
•
•
•
•
Preparation
Knowledge of the Rules
Mechanics and Technique
Judgment
Listening and Communicating
Game Management
Rules and Mechanics
• Tools of the Trade
– Rules
– Mechanics
– Judgment and Communication
Game Management
Rules and Mechanics
•
•
•
•
•
Good Mechanics =
Better Positioning =
Better Judgment +
Proper Game Management =
Less Problems
Game Management
Begins with YOU! Lead by Example....
•
•
•
•
Arrive Early
Look the Part
Prepare
Establish a Rapport
Game Management
Preparation
• Know and Understand the Dynamics of
the Age Group Playing
• Greeting Players and Coaches Upon
Arrival – “First Impressions”
Game Management
Preparation and Rules Knowledge
• Learn the Terminology of Softball – Terms
are a Common Ground
• Rules Knowledge = Confidence
• Common Sense Application of the Rules
• Preventive Umpiring
Game Management
Mechanics and Technique
• Every Game You Work – Start Strong and
Finish Strong
• Hustle! Know Where You are Suppose to
go
• Timing – Slow Down
• Use Crisp ASA Signals – Strong Voice
Game Management
Listening and Communicating
• Maintain a Calmness that Encourages
Approachability
• Listen First, Then Listen Some More
• Be Aware of your Body Language, Tone of
Voice, Demeanor and “Field Presence”
Game Management
Listening and Communicating
• Answer Reasonable Questions
• Listen to Understand, Not to Respond
• Shift Focus from Emotion to the Play –
“What did you see?” or “What is it about
the play that you think I missed?”
Game Management
Handling Difficult Situations
• Coaches on the Field While on Defense
• Arguing Balls and Strikes
• Coach talks to the Wrong Umpire Initially
on a Call
• Coach Walks Half-way to “’Argue” a Call
Game Management
Handling Difficult Situations
• Coach Bolts onto the Field Without
Requesting Time (Live Ball)
• Between Innings “Politicking”
• Coach Talks to You about Your Partner’s
Strike Zone or a Call Made by Him / Her
Game Management
When All Else Fails – EJECT
•
•
•
•
•
•
Know Where to Draw the Line
Eject When Necessary
Deal With Abuse Abruptly
Be Confident
Walk Away – Do Not Continue to Engage
Re-Focus, Get on with the Game
Game Management
In Closing….
•
•
•
•
•
Develop Your Own Style
Be Adaptable
Be Consistent
Give Respect
Be Honest
Game Management
In Closing….
“MANAGE THE GAME,
NOT THE
INDIVIDUALS”