Umpire - Coach Relationships
Tuesday, 03 January 2012 14:13
Umpires are an integral part of any baseball program. In order to enjoy the game of baseball, umpires, ballplayers and coaches must have an understanding of the rules. Coaches must accept and respect the role of an umpire as the interpreter and enforcer of these rules.
Umpires should be treated with respect and an awareness of the coach's and umpire's duties and responsibilities relating to game procedures and situations should be established.
The umpire's function is to conduct and control all games in a competent and confident manner. They should always officiate to the best of their ability and along with coaches maintain emotional poise at all times.
It is the coach's responsibility to have control of the players and to prevent unsportsmanlike conduct. Young players often follow the example of their coach; therefore, they should not yell, shout at or berate umpires.
Coaches should be aware of the code of ethics which govern the umpire's behaviour. Likewise, the umpiring staff should be aware of the coaches code of ethics.
Coaches, players and umpires are involved in the game of baseball because they enjoy it. We must accept the fact that all of us are going to make mistakes and we must be strong enough to admit that we have done so. This can often serve to eliminate confrontation.
As an umpire, you must remember that coaches do have a right to request interpretation of a call for they represent their players. Give them a moment of your time.
Coaches must accept the fact that not every call by an umpire is going to be in their favour. The umpire may sometimes be wrong, but their decision is final. If you wish to discuss some aspect of the game with the umpires, then be sure to respect them.
