How to find Foriegn Speaking Umps?

[Guest Mike A]

I come to this board to get some help on finding Foriegn Speaking Umps.

 

Problem;  It appears to the spectators and teams at the Alpenrose Girls Softball Tournament, year after year, that the Umps have little patience with teams that show up form other countries.  Its like these little 11 year old girls ad their coaches who make it here are at an dis-advantage becuase of languge barriers.  I know that each team form another country can have an ump as part of the umpire team on the feild that can sxpeak, or is familiar with their language.  Problem is, finding one.  We have Spanish, Italian, Filipino, German kids showing up, and their diadvantage is not having somone in that umpire team that can converse with them. 

 

I saw alot of problems arise this year because of language problems.  Does anyone here have some advice?  Thanks so much, I'm just interested in getting fair reprsentation to all kids from where ever on that field.

[guyinaredhat]

you get umps who speak the native tonguefrom the different leagues and associations the foreign teams play.  Have each team bring an umpire to work in the tournament and things may go a little smoother?

[plateumpire]

I can speak Spanish. 

[SJA]

Just a thought. If you can't find an Ump that speaks the language for that team / game, and you know ahead of time, contact the local high school or college and ask for the language department. Speak with one of the teachers / Profs and explain the situation to them. They may ask some of their students if they would like to participate as translator for the game(s) and possibly give "extra credit" as an incentive.

Again, just a suggestion.

SJA :-)

[BRUMP]

I know enough Spanish and enough Italian to know when I'm being cursed out! That's it though.

[UmpJM]

They do an international tournament around here every year, and they just have the non English speaking teams bring an interpreter.

 

Seems to work fine.

 

JM

[BRUMP]

They do an international tournament around here every year, and they just have the non English speaking teams bring an interpreter.

Seems to work fine.

JM

Coach to interpreter ¡Tú chupas!

Interpretation to ump "you suck"

Ump to interpreter "your done!"

Interpreter to coach ¡Tú eres expulsado!

[UmpJM]

BRUMP,

 

Good point. We just finished up the tournament a couple of weekends ago. One of the interpreters got dumped.

 

I never got the story, but my question was "Was it for something he did, or was he just translating for the coach?"

 

JM

[BRUMP]

BRUMP,

Good point. We just finished up the tournament a couple of weekends ago. One of the interpreters got dumped.

I never got the story, but my question was "Was it for something he did, or was he just translating for the coach?"

JM

Unless the interpreter is clearly acting independent of the coach I'd dump the coach. The interpreter is basically a representative of the coach.

[Jocko]

I like the suggestion of getting local college or hs students to act as translators. Thats a winner.

[Guest Mike A]

_{Thanks for all the input!  I think having an Umpire from the country that the team is from is a good idea.  Two things that might be a problem though is a language barrier with the foreign ump and raising the funds to bring him along.  But its something to consider.  I know that the teams have a translator in the dug out, but they usually are not educated in the game and can not pursue the coach / ump conversation the way the American coach will.  It is an International Competition i.e. girls softball, its tough for those International teams to come here and feel their on an even playing field.  Maybe having the teams show 3 or 4 days early and having an American Coach assist with a translator would help out too.   Anyway, thanks again for the input.  mike a}

 

 

[umpcoachfather]

they need to know the following:

Out - maybe as this is also signaled

Strike - maybe cause this is also signaled - and if your batting its becuase the umpire stinks and is out to get you. 

Safe - see above - if its your runner you like the call, if not those damn lazy umpires cheated again. 

Ball - if no signal consider it a ball - if your team is batting, move the bucket you'll get a better view.

Foul - signaled - this can be good or bad for you depending but Im getting rediculous in my write up because its Friday. 

That's a balk - you'll know it when hit happens. against you - umpire was wrong - for you the umps are the best you had all year.   

Your'e done - look for a big arm swing.  can you pre pay for a hotdog for me?  sometimes they run out by the time I get to the stand. 

and perhaps good bye. See above

Additional words or sayings, nice to know's:

"get in the box"  also signaled, usually with an annoyed look on the umpires face.  I understand your Joe Torre and this 12 year old rec league game is equivalent to the world series but no one likes to watch 12 year olds do anything for 3 hours on a beautiful day. 

"that's enough" signaled  - usualy done when the umpires are picking on you for no reason. 

"hit the shower" and in some cases "please hit the shower, no, really you stink". look for big arm swing

Int -  Youll know it becuase the runner will be out - and the other team will be unhappy

Obs - you'll know it because the runner will advance and you wont think he should have because the umpire is unfair and the other team is clapping.    

 

Easy to learn

Sorry it's Friday