Tips for Dealing with Umpires

Let's face it; dealing with umpires can be one of the least enjoyable aspects of coaching. While it may be frustrating to see a call go against your team, you have to set an example for your players by not flying off the handle. So where is the middle ground? In this article, we'll provide tips for dealing with umpires that should help any coach stay grounded.

In the case of judgment calls such as balls/strikes and out/safe; it is important for a coach to realize that no amount of arguing is going to overturn the call. You can go out there and rant and rave like a lunatic, and the result will still be the same. Well, a few things might change. Fans, parents, and players will all think you've gone crazy, and you might get ejected from the game. However, the call will always remain the same.

The more beneficial approach is for you to go out and argue your case in a civilized manner. Let the umpire know that you disagree with the call, hear his side of things, and head back to the dugout. This gets your point across without jeopardizing your team's chances for the rest of the game.

Now, don't get us wrong; we understand that you sometimes can get caught up in the heat of the moment. This is understandable and shows that you care about the game. But it is much more productive to take a second or two to think about what you are going to say rather than to just start shouting and cursing.

It is also recommended that you have a solid understanding of the rulebook. This can come in handy on non-judgment calls that the umpire may misinterpret. By knowing the proper ruling, you can often get these calls overturned or at the very least discussed.

Coaches need to realize that umpires are an integral part of the game, and should be treated with respect. Think about this from a different perspective. Say you were an umpire, and you were working a game between two teams. One team had a surly, foul-mouthed coach who was constantly on your case. The other team had a nice guy who treated you with respect. Which team do you think you would lean towards on the really close call? An umpire works on instinct, but they can definitely squeeze a coach to send a message. It's just something to keep in mind.

Lastly, you should pass your respect for the umpires along to your players. There is no worse feeling than having your best player tossed from a big game because he said something disrespectful to the umpire. Stress to your team that you will do the arguing on any close calls, and that they should avoid any conflict in that regard.

These tips should help you when dealing with umpires in tough situations. While you don't always have to agree with an umpire's decision, you will have to accept it. That's just the nature of the game.