Top 3 Obstacles Umpires Face: A Young Umpire’s Perspective
Umpiring can be a tough gig, especially when you’re starting out. As a young umpire, you quickly realize that there are several challenges that can really test your skills and mindset. Here are the top three obstacles I’ve faced (and how I tackle them):
1. Game Management
One of the biggest hurdles is establishing your authority on the field. As a young umpire, gaining respect from players, coaches, and fans isn’t always easy. The key is to project confidence from the get-go, and that starts with a strong plate conference.
Here’s how I run my RecBall plate conference to set the tone:
- Enthusiastic greeting with a smile – I want coaches and players to feel like I’m excited to work their game, even if I’m not. A friendly approach can go a long way.
- Confirm the rule set – I always double-check the tournament or league rules (like the time limit) to show the coaches that I care about enforcing the correct guidelines.
- Take them around the field – For RecBall, I like to do this myself to avoid any confusion later on. I also make sure to remind teams to keep their players inside the dugout, so I can hold them to it if needed.
- Check player equipment – Ask the coaches to confirm that players are properly and legally equipped, according to the rules.
- Set the expectation for sportsmanship – I talk about bench decorum (POE this year!) up front so that, if I need to address anything later, I can refer to the plate conference.
- Wish the teams good luck and have the home team take the field.
A strong plate conference not only sets the tone for the game but also raises your standard as an official. Trust me, I’ve had coaches tell me, “Wow, this guy doesn’t mess around!”
2. Confidence
Confidence is huge, especially when you’re working in an unfamiliar environment. The truth is the best way to build confidence is through experience. But there are a couple of things I do to boost my own confidence on the field.
- Invest in your appearance – Looking the part makes a big difference. I always aim to look athletic and professional. For me one ball bag, sunglasses (not on the back of my belt loop, of course), and clean, professional shoes go a long way.
- Leverage your skills – Every umpire has their own strengths. For me, it’s my fitness and speed, which I bring from my track and field background. I guess the 29-inch waist gives it away! Coaches can tell I’m quick on my feet, and that makes me more credible as an umpire, especially when I hustle to the 1st base side of the working area from the C position.
When you look the part and play to your strengths, it’s easier to feel confident, even if you’re still learning the ropes.
3. Communication
Communication can be tricky on the field. Especially with every game being filmed these days (yes, even Johnny’s 13U game). I break communication down into two main areas: communicating with teams and communicating with your partner.
Communicating with teams:
My best advice here? Be kind. It sounds simple, but small gestures like saying “please” and “thank you” for baseballs can make a big difference. When players and coaches feel like you care about the game, it’s harder for them to argue a close call.
I want to be seen as a nice guy who’s there to do a good job—not just collect a paycheck.
Communicating with partners:
From the moment you arrive at the field, start communicating with your partner. Ask them about their baseball experience, what they’re working on, and let them know what you’re focusing on as well.
As a young umpire, the best thing you can do is learn from your more experienced partners. Every game is an opportunity to grow. I’ve learned something valuable from every game I’ve worked, and I’m grateful for that experience.
I am eternally grateful for everything MAC/NVBUA has done for me. Umpiring has played a significant role in shaping my high school experience, and I can’t thank everyone enough as I embark on a new chapter at the University of Virginia this fall.
Thank you to all my mentors, fellow umpires, and the teams I’ve had the pleasure of working with.
Andrew Klinger
[email protected]
703-627-2372