coaches

Question
Is there a book or anything on how to handle with coaches if they're arguing or something? Game management type of thing? Like what should I say to the coaches?

Answer
Hi Randy,

I don't know of any books devoted to this.  Our MASA state clinic usually has a class devoted to "working" with players and managers.  Talk to your UIC and see if your state might offer something like this.

I can give you a couple tips if you would like

don't get excited, stay calm, remove your sunglasses and hold them in your hand.

If you're an average or smaller size turn 1/2 way to full sideways to the front of the coach with your hands either in front of you or at your side, never cross your arms.  If you need to move to keep this posture, move as the coach moves.  This posture doesn't allow a larger coach or player to dominate you physically as a front to front posture would. Look the coach in the eye.

Let the coach state their case, and most do quickly but we don't take abuse such as being sworn at, or our physical space purposely invaded.  If that happens we stop the conversation "Coach...that's enough"  NEVER threaten such as "if you say 1 more word, you're outta here"  The calmer you are, the calmer the coach will become.

After the coach has their say, now it's our turn.  Coach, I had position and a good look and this is what I have......or Coach, this is what happened and by rule......etc. etc. Unless the "P" word (protest) comes out, we're not going to debate this situation very long. After I tell them what I had, I usually I end the conversation, "Ok coach let's play ball" then turn and start back to my position.

You MUST know the rule book, an informed coach is a mediocre umpire's worst nightmare.  Judgement calls are judgement calls but not knowing the proper rule can kill you as an umpire. If I were you put the rule book in the bathroom and read it every time you spend some time in there.

Of course never, ever, never are we touched in any threatening way without an immediate ejection.  I almost put "ever touched" but on occasion I've had a coach tap me on the shoulder or arm after a discussion and it's meant as an "OK" and I didn't want you to misunderstand.  If you eject a player or coach, do a verbal and turn away from them and then toss them.  We never want to do it toward them lest they think we're throwing a punch.

Watch senior umpires work, spend a night or 2 a week just watching a "strong" umpire work.  It will take you a while to learn not to watch the game but rather watch the umpire.  Better yet ask a senior umpire if you can work some games with him (of course for free on your part)and have him help teach you many of the things you need to know.

Hope this helps some.

Mark