Thursday, July 14, 2005

Message from the Prez

By Steve Hilgendorf
President

Hey!!!! I thought We're on the Same Team?

This is what some of you may be thinking to yourself as you work with different partners throughout your umpiring career. It seems we are having some issues with upper level umpires, for lack of a better term, "big timing" their communication to their partner while in pregame and/or during the game. In one instance, it got so bad that one umpire seriously considered leaving in the middle of a doubleheader due to the constant berating by their partner. Some have even considered leaving the association if this is how they were going to continue to be treated. Lastly, there's been feedback from umpires who, while on the field during a game, have been chastised loud enough by their partner the fans can hear it. Other upper level guys view working with new umpires as a day off, as in "You got the plate." Not asking, but demanding.

This is not what the NBUA is about.

Communication is such an integral part of what we do and an equally vital aspect is HOW we communicate with each other and the coaches/players we deal with. You can save yourself a lot of angst if you look at how you handle different situations good/bad or how might you have handled it differently if you had to do it over. If you are going to offer advice, do it in a constructive and not a destructive manner. Being a higher level umpire does not automatically get you the respect from everyone. That respect has to be earned. One way of earning that respect is being a teacher/listener and not a drill sergeant (my way or the highway). Also keep in mind that at one point in your career you may have been asking the same questions.   There are no dumb questions! No matter how many years you've umpired, there always seems to be something that comes up that make you pull out the rule book.

We all started our umpiring career from the bottom and from many different avenues. We'd be kidding ourselves if we thought we didn't have egos but it's how we present ourselves that can keep our egos in check.... or not. The game is NOT about the umpires!

Ladies and gentlemen, umpiring requires a degree of professionalism which must be demonstrated while in the parking lot or on the field. NBUA is known for having top notch umpires and that needs to be demonstrated no matter what level or game you're involved in.   We all are doing a job/hobby/passion that can be rewarding in many different ways. Let's remember to keep it a fun and enjoyable experience for all involved.