Goals for 2009

[JohnT]

I have been told that every umpire, despite of his experience or lack thereof, should have goals as they continue to umpire in order to improve. Some goals will probably be minor things, and others (like myself) will have more major goals in order to improve. What are your '09 goals?

Mine are:

- Officiate at least fifty games this year. Before, I had burned out way to quick and ended up not doing many at all. Only way to improve is to keep doing it.

- Become more efficient is softball. Even though BB umpires seem to look down on SB umpires, it seems like it would be a good fit for me.

- Have a more consistant strike zone. Most of my troubles begin when I haven't done a game in a while, and I do the plate. I am just out of practice.

- Work on game management. I need to put up with less BS and establish a reputation for myself as an umpire... not a coordinator. Yes, I need to eject someone this year. (Looking back, I have several opportunities a year that I don't take)

- Have more fun! By the end of the game, and the season, I want to feel like I had fun! This past season, it seemed more like a job... While I was working the plate, I couldn't wait to get done with the game. This caused a widening strike zone, and several unhappy coaches/fans/players.

What are your goals for the 09 season?

[Umpire in Chief]

This year I want to work on my foot work both behind the plate and on the bases.

I want to have better posture behind the plate.

Focus on game and situation management

I also want to develop a better K3 mechanic

[LMSANS]

One of my goals last year was to work on my base mechanics. Be crisper in my signals and improve my angles. Then I worked 75 out of 101 behind the plate.

So I'm going to re-new my last year goal to keep working on my base mechanics. My total number of games is going to decrease by quite a bit due to real world requirements. But 100 baseball games was one of my goals.

Last year I worked 4 post-season games and was expecting any. This year I hope to duplicate that number.

[BrianC14]

1) Hold a proper (complete) pre-game every game.

2) Improve on game management.

3) Improve my performance with each game.

[dawg-man]

1. Work to go further in the state playoffs

2. Be a better mentor to the newer umpires both in high school and LL

3. To enjoy everygame because we never know when it may be our last due to injury or sickness

4. Work more summer college ball

[mazzamouth]

This year I want to work on my pre game, Holding my strike call ( pointing my finger), handling situations/ managing the game.

[Umpire in Chief]

This year I want to work on my pre game...

I'm going to add that to my list too.

[dawg-man]

I need to add a better pregame to my list as well. I have an issue that most of you I am assuming do not have. I stutter. I have no problem calling balls and strikes, safes and outs but the pregame sometime can be a bit dicey. Most coaches by now know it but I still want to do a better job with this

[AllanA]

I have been told that every umpire, despite of his experience or lack thereof, should have goals as they continue to umpire in order to improve. Some goals will probably be minor things, and others (like myself) will have more major goals in order to improve. What are your '09 goals?

Mine are:

- Officiate at least fifty games this year. Before, I had burned out way to quick and ended up not doing many at all. Only way to improve is to keep doing it.

- Become more efficient is softball. Even though BB umpires seem to look down on SB umpires, it seems like it would be a good fit for me.

- Have a more consistant strike zone. Most of my troubles begin when I haven't done a game in a while, and I do the plate. I am just out of practice.

- Work on game management. I need to put up with less BS and establish a reputation for myself as an umpire... not a coordinator. Yes, I need to eject someone this year. (Looking back, I have several opportunities a year that I don't take)

- Have more fun! By the end of the game, and the season, I want to feel like I had fun! This past season, it seemed more like a job... While I was working the plate, I couldn't wait to get done with the game. This caused a widening strike zone, and several unhappy coaches/fans/players.

What are your goals for the 09 season?

Why do people look down on other people just because they are doing something different ie: SB umps????

Ok well my goals are to do less games. Last year I topped 300.

My goal is to always have a consistent strike zone. That a continuous work in progress. Hopefully work more sub V games this year. Some guys think it is beneath them to work sub V but I enjoy it and they need umpires too.

I do have a lot more but thats I guess is good for now!

Allan

[mazzamouth]

I'm going to add that to my list too.

I need to add a better pregame to my list as well. I have an issue that most of you I am assuming do not have. I stutter. I have no problem calling balls and strikes, safes and outs but the pregame sometime can be a bit dicey. Most coaches by now know it but I still want to do a better job with this

I know that I didnt do a good job of this, as I kind of assumed most of the guys at the college level should know what they are doing. Well I was wrong...LOL and a lot of the High school and American legion guys should know what the heck is going on, So this year I will talk to every partner b4 a game.