Medical Concerns for Umpires
These guidelines are not intended to replace the relationship you have with your personal
physician. Any concerns should be addressed appropriately with your personal physician.
Sprains/Strains/Contusions
Umpires are certainly prone to sprains, strains and contusions over the course of the season. The
acronym commonly used is R-I-C-E. RICE stands for:
Rest the sprained or strained area. If necessary, use a sling for an arm injury or crutches for a
leg or foot injury. Splint an injured finger or toe by taping it to an adjacent finger or toe.
Ice for 20 minutes every hour. Never put ice directly against the skin or it may damage the
skin. Use a thin cloth for protection.
Compress by wrapping an elastic (Ace type) bandage or sleeve lightly (not tightly) around
the joint or limb. Specialized braces, such as for the ankle, can work better than an elastic
bandage for removing the swelling.
Elevate the area above heart level.
To manage the associated pain and inflammation, many physicians recommend an over-thecounter NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or
aspirin. Do not give aspirin to anyone under age 18. Consult your physician as soon as possible if
there are symptoms of a possible broken bone:
• "Popping" sound with the injury.
• Inability to move the injured joint or limb.
• The ankle or knee buckles when applying weight.
• There is numbness.
• There is significant swelling, pain, fever, or open cuts.
Be sure to seek professional consultation if symptoms persist. Continue RICE for 24 to 48 hours
or until the person sees a physician. The physician may need to immobilize the limb or joint
with a splint, cast, or other device until healing is complete.
Cold/Flu Symptoms
Cold and Flu season is certainly a challenge to those exposed to crowds and traveling a great
deal. Good sanitation and cleanliness (hand washing) can certainly prevent the transfer of germs
association with Colds and Flu. With the flu, you may feel very weak and fatigued for up to two
or three weeks. You'll have muscle aches and periods of chills and sweats as fever comes and
goes. You may also have a stuffy or runny nose, headache, and sore throat.
The chart below classifies symptoms of both Cold and Flu, and you can certainly see how Colds
can be a precursor to Flu. Do not avoid symptoms, as you can expose your family, your crew
members, and anyone else you are exposed to if you have the Flu. If you have a fever, you
should not be physically active due to the risk of further illness to you and the fact you are very
contagious and can infect others.
Symptoms
Cold
Flu
Fever
Rare
characteristic high (100 - 102o F)
Symptoms
Cold
Flu
Headache
Rare
Prominent
General Aches and Pain
Slight
Usual, often severe
Fatigue, Weakness
Quite Mild
Can last up to two to three weeks
Extreme Exhaustion
Never
Early and prominent
Stuffy Nose
Common
Sometimes
Sneezing
Usual
Sometimes
Sore Throat
Common
Sometimes
Chest Discomfort, Cough
mild to moderate, hacking cough Common, can become severe
Complications
Sinus congestion or earache
Bronchitis; pneumonia; can be lifethreatening
Prevention
Good hygiene
Annual flu shot or FluMist
Treatment
Only temporary relief of
symptoms
Antiviral drugs (Tamiflu or Relenza)
within 24-48 hours of onset
(for more information see www.webmd.com)
Heat Illness
Umpires have to readily be aware of heat related illness, especially when wearing heavy
equipment associated with umpiring. A healthy body temperature is maintained by the nervous
system. As the body temperature increases, the body tries to maintain its normal temperature by
transferring heat from the core of the body to the surface where it can be cooled. Sweating and
blood flow to the skin (thermoregulation) help us keep our bodies cool. A heat-related illness
occurs when our bodies can no longer transfer enough heat to keep us cool. Excessive padding
(umpire) can certainly further stress the ability to rid the body of heat.
A high body temperature (hyperthermia) can develop rapidly in extremely hot environments.
Heat-related illnesses produce a high body temperature because the body cannot transfer heat
effectively or because external heat gain is excessive. Following is a discussion of heat-related
illnesses:
• Heat cramps, which occur in muscles after exercise because sweating causes the body to lose
water, salt, and minerals (electrolytes).
• Heat syncope (fainting), which occurs from low blood pressure when heat causes the blood
vessels to expand (dilate) and body fluids move into the legs because of gravity.
• Heat exhaustion (heat prostration), which generally develops when a person is working or
exercising in hot weather and does not drink enough liquids to replace those lost liquids.
• Heat stroke (sunstroke), which occurs when the body fails to regulate its own temperature and
body temperature continues to rise, often to 105 °F (40.6 °C) or higher. Heat stroke is a
medical emergency. Even with immediate treatment, it can be life-threatening or cause serious
long-term problems.
You must watch yourself during the heat. You need to maintain body weight (fluids) during this
time of the year. If you lose greater than 2% of your body weight and fail to replace it, you may
be exposed to heat related illnesses. Drinking fluids will help you maintain your body weight,
and prevent heat related illnesses. While one will not feel like eating immediately following
activity, it is important to maintain good nutritional practices to further limit exposure to heat
related illnesses.
Concussion Management
Much has been written in the past few years related to concussion. There is an excellent article
by Major League Baseball Director of Umpire Medical Services - Mark Letendre about the
position of the umpire and staying in the “slot” to avoid the increased chance of being hit by foul
tips. This is probably the greatest cause of concussions in umpires, and can thus be mitigated
with proper technique. In the event you or a person on your crew sustains a concussion, be sure
to seek the evaluation of the athletic trainer or team physician at the game. The literature is very
clear that you should not continue until your symptoms return to normal. Anyone with a
suspected concussion should be seen by a physician. Once discharged, seek immediate medical
care again if any of these symptoms develop:
•
•
•
•
A headache that seems to be getting worse
Continued vomiting
Increased drowsiness or dizziness
Increased confusion
As mentioned above, these guidelines are not intended to replace the relationship you have with
your personal physician. Any concerns should be addressed appropriately with your personal
physician.