YOUR ATTITUDE AND WHY YOU OFFICIATE!
By: Merle Butler    

The late broadcaster Mel Allen often said, “How About That!” Do you understand attitudes and the power they hold? Well, how about your attitude? Why do you umpire?

Do you unnecessarily put down the level of your game, the skills of the players, or the strategy (or lack thereof) of the managers? Do you complain about the condition of the field, the distance you had to travel, or the rate of pay (if you receive pay)? Ultimately, your attitude will affect your performance. Now what about your attitude toward yourself? You can’t manage others until you can manage yourself.

Each person is unique with different physical and mental capabilities. We have different needs, capacities, and goals. Some umpires want recognition while others prefer not to be noticed. Most people have a genuine desire to be wanted, accepted, and liked. As a sports official, if you weren’t wanted, there would be no games for you to umpire. A few of us just want to walk away from a well-officiated game without comment, fuss, or fanfare.

WHY DO YOU OFFICIATE? Many umpires claim they officiate because of their love for the game. Some players become umpires to stay involved with the game when their playing days are over; a few start while they are still playing. Umpires who were players sometimes possess a deeper understanding of the game.

Learning the rules and mechanics is often easier for a former player. This can help their attitude when they can visualize the game from a player’s perspective. Ex-players often have that invaluable feel for the game. There is, however, an accurate old saying, “A player learns the rules when he becomes an umpire.” As you know, this is very true.

Then there is the social need, wanting to belong, to associate with others, to make new friends and gain acceptance. Association umpires have more opportunities to work a variety of games, travel to other areas to officiate, and to participate in local, regional, national, and world championships. Association meetings also enable umpires to get to know each other and improve their own skills and attitudes. Having the proper frame of mind and knowing your partner personally can be an enormous help when confrontations develop on the field. Your attitude and confidence will improve when you successfully manage difficult field problems.

Self-actualization is the attitude and desire to reach the top, to excel, to have that perfect game. After being an umpire for 5-6 years, I accepted the opportunity to become a member of our local training committee. I learned the rules inside and out. I had to be prepared to answer umpires’ questions in training sessions. After fielding tough questions from umpires, responding to managers and players was a piece of cake. Perhaps you have the qualifications to become a leader in your group. Take that first step and seek the rewarding opportunity to do something positive for your association. It starts with your attitude toward yourself.

I WANT TO THANK Softball Australia for the following umpire tips from their official Umpire Training Manual. Features of a good umpire are:

1) A love of and feeling for the game.
2) A good sense of humor.
3) A very thick skin.
4) 20/20 vision.
5) The capacity not to criticize, but to be criticized.
6) An understanding of the participants involved.
7) Fairness, firmness and consistency on field decisions.
8) Fitness to match the demands and the requirements of the game.
9) An ability to communicate with managers, coaches, and players.
10) The courage to believe in your decisions.
11) The concentration to remain alert during the entire game.
12) The motivation to perform well and to strive for improvement.
13) Self-confidence which allows you to take control of all aspects of the game.
14) The ability to be a good partner.
15) To be humble, as even the best and most respected umpires sometimes get it wrong.
16) Keep things in perspective. “You’re only as good as your next call.”

Try to stay on top of your game until the last player is out. Remember, a proper attitude will help you achieve your goals and ease you along the rough road of sports officiating.

Merle Butler is the ISF’s Director of Umpires and a member of the ISF Hall of Fame.

(This article appeared in the May-Aug. 2003 edition of World Softball
magazine, Volume 31, Number 2 )

Photo by f-11 photographic design

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