The playing field
Nice Call, Blue!
BY CHRIS CHANCE
This time of year I give umpiring clinics. A recurring topic at these clinics is the real shortage of younger officials. I’ve been involved with officiating for almost twenty years. It’s a great way to make some money and spend time at the ballpark. The pay actually is not bad now.
So why is there a shortage of young officials?
There could be any number of reasons. Young people have more opportunities now for recreation and to make money. They are busier than ever.
But I think the real truth is that many youth don’t want to deal with the flak officials must face these days.
As someone who has officiated softball, baseball, basketball, volleyball, flag football and football over the years, and who has trained hundreds of young officials, I ask you to please consider this when you are at the ballpark.
Disagreeing with officials is very common. I often tell young officials that every close call they make will be disagreed with by countless people watching the game.
Please, however, consider how you disagree. Think about the example you set for others—particularly your own children.
“We were cheated!” and similar comments are heard far too often at the ballpark.
Some officials aren’t very good, but I can honestly say that 99 percent of youth sports officials don’t have a vested interest in one team beating another and they don’t want to make biased calls.
After you’ve umpired for a while, calling what you see becomes a natural reaction that makes it hard to give preferential treatment.
Try to put yourself in an official’s shoes. It’s not a job that’s appreciated very much.
That referee or umpire is simply trying to make a little money and to do a decent job. Many of them do it for the children more than for the money. And in many cases, that official you’re yelling at for cheating your child may very well be a child, too.
Try saying “Nice call!” sometimes.
One encouraging word can make a player play harder; it can make an ump do so as well. SS