If It Was Easy, Everyone Would Do It

Last night I had the privilege of umpiring with Audie, a gentleman who was working his fourth high school game.  After he arrived and we met, I asked him if he wanted to take the plate, and he courteously declined and said he had been preparing himself to work the bases that night.  I told him that was perfectly fine, so I started getting dressed for the plate and we walked through some scenarios he had been thinking over and working on.

His approach to learning about umpiring was spot on.  First, he clearly explained that he was new but eager to learn and work on things.  He explained that he had watched some videos and attended a recent clinic but soon realized that those training resources really didn't prepare him for being actually on the field.  He then asked if he could ask questions during the game and if we could perhaps talk after the game.  PERFECT!

Umpiring or officiating really takes practice, and it takes working with veteran officials and asking questions and picking brains.  And of course, this approach doesn't apply to just working on a ball diamond or in a gym.

While I wouldn't have necessarily asked for a softball game that ended 24-14, the experience definitely gave Audie an opportunity to practice A LOT!  And we did talk between innings, and I did make some suggestions at various times in the game to provide some training.  Not only were there a lot of baserunners and runs, the coach from the visiting team was very challenging.  She confronted Audie on multiple calls he had made (and she confronted me on a few as well), and he handled all of the situations very professionally.

Audie didn't get every call correct.  He didn't get to the right position every time.  And he didn't always use the correct mechanics.  He improved all of those things, though, throughout the game, and he was positive and hustled and accepted my suggestions with courtesy.  He's going to get better; I'm confident of that.

For everyone that's reading this post, understand that we all know and can recognize rookie umpires and officials.  They are uncertain and nervous, but the vast majority want to get better and want to work the best game they possibly can.  AND THEY WILL GET BETTER as they continue to ask questions, work with veteran umpires and experience more and more games.

Umpiring and officiating is not easy.  I sometimes have fantasized that any/all spectators should be required to watch a training video and work a game before ever being allowed admittance to a game.  I GUARANTEE your perspective as a fan changes drastically after experiencing what it is like to manage a contest as an official or umpire.

So when you see an inexperienced gal or guy working to learn "the trade" with a veteran that is genuinely trying to train "on the job", give them a little slack.  In fact, maybe take even a better approach.  As that crew is walking off the court or the track or the ball diamond or the football field, how about some encouraging remarks - maybe even a, "Hey thanks for your work, stripes!" (or blue or whatever)

Remember...if it was easy, everyone would do it.

JBiz