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A Canadian Championship Supervisor's View
As appeared in the June 2003 edition of Between The Lines.
A Canadian Championship Supervisor's View
| by Jim Herbert, Level V, Ontario |
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I am often asked when supervising at Fast Pitch Canadian Championships on how to cross the line to get to the coveted "V"? My answer to this question is quite simple: Level V status is granted to umpires who not only set the standard off the diamond but who are able to set the standard on the diamond.
Two key situations come to mind while on the diamond and are critical when you wish to become a Level V. These are:
| 1) |
how do you handle the pitching rule |
| 2) |
how do you handle lead offs |
These two key situations allow a supervisor a great opportunity in evaluating umpires who want to get to the next level.
Let's discuss lead offs first. What happens when an umpire calls a lead off? The umpire now has to deal with many things such as dealing with the player being called out for leading off, dealing with the manager if he disagrees or the manager who felt the lead off should have been called and it was not. Dealing with confrontation now shows me how they can handle a difficult situation. I need to know that, so when the Championship game comes at the end of the week, I am able to assign umpires who know how to keep control and yet are not afraid to see that all rules are enforced. I need to know that when you receive your Level V that you will be able to maintain the standard that is required both on and off the field.
Now, let's look at the pitching rule. Enforcing the pitching rule brings a few more things into play. It really allows me an opportunity to see what an umpire can do. The pitching rule, and it has been discussed many times, is pretty self explanatory. I point out that all umpires have the same responsibility to call an illegal pitch is they see one. Unfortunately, not all umpires will do this. Umpires, coaches, players, fans, even my wife, all know what the pitching rule is. Why isn't it called consistently? I've heard many excuses but they are just that, excuses. The hole, the plane, can't see their feet, looks good to me, the pause - not my call, I'm out at second in the hole, and others.
Calling the pitching rule brings many things to an umpire that he has to deal with. In Senior ball, it's how you handle yourself on the diamond that is the difference between the Level IV and Level V. Everything goes great in a game until the illegal pitch happens. Once you say "illegal pitch" and stick your arm out, the following usually happens and unfortunately most times it happens in Senior ball:
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the pitcher is upset with you |
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the catcher usually yells at you |
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the batter starts to get on you for not calling it |
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one coach or the other is upset at you for calling or not calling it |
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you advance a runner |
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sometimes you score a runner |
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the fans suddenly wake up and begin to boo you loudly |
This all happens with one simple illegal pitch being called. Now the question is, "how do you handle all of this?" The key to a Level V umpire is keeping all the coaches and players in the game. If you succeed at this, it's amazing the amount of respect that you will gain as an umpire. This is the difference between a Level IV and Level V. How you handle yourself on the diamond will determine your advances in Levels.
Some keys to success in enforcing the illegal pitch:
| 1) |
First time you see it, after the play, call "Time" and head to the mound, allow a coach to join you if they wish. This shows game control. |
| 2) |
Be firm in your explanation. You are not there to run a clinic. Explain the infraction, listen, and answer concerns. This shows that you are approachable. |
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Once you head back, ignore comments made unless they are obnoxious or verbally abusive. |
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This is key - if the pitcher pitches illegally again, call it. If you ignore it, you will lose control and respect. |
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It now gets tougher. You do not have to talk to anyone if you call it again for the same type of infraction. If challenged, talk to the coach only. |
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The entire crew needs to use their game control skills, keep discussion on a one to one basis. Partners need to move other players and coaches away from the one on one discussion. |
| 7) |
This is critical - if the pitcher pitches illegally again, call it. |
Now I have a real chance to see what you can do. I look to see how you handle the players, the coaches and yourself. The umpire described above is the type of umpire that I want to have on the diamond on the last day. By continuing to work hard not only on the diamond but off, you will be well on your way to your next level.
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