Ejection Feedback

[Jeff]

I'm new here and new to being an umpire as well. I started working for PONY baseball in WA and so far I really enjoy it and would like to pursue it professionally. I would like some feedback on an ejection I made last week plus a coach issue earlier this week. Apparently coaches I've dealt with so far that have given me crap have said to my UIC that I'm cocky but i don't feel that way. I've been reading these forums for a couple weeks and trying to take away all the good information and it seems to me like you guys believe in being calm and giving chances where appropriate but not putting up with bad coach behavior at anytime.

This was my email to my UIC about Monday's coaching issue. I had Coach Lee and his team a few weeks previous and he gave me no end of grief then as well.

Tonight, Coach Lee for Bronco team 3's behavior was awful. At the beginning of the game he was very sarcastic in what was a normal, low-key pre-game meeting. During the bottom of the 1st inning there was an overthrow at first and the ball went behind Lake Francis' (the field we were at) fence line but still playable. Coach Lee came flying out of the dugout which is right near the backstop asking "Blue, that's out of play I get two bases right? RIGHT?", I responded "No" and he started to argue about how thats normally considered out of play. I explained to him that while I can understand his frustration, my judgement was that the ball was playable and that most if not all balls aren't going to go so far out of play that it would cause a cheap run. Also, the fence line is not parallel with the base lines and I felt it would be too arbitrary to enforce a non-existant fence line than to just let it play out. Finally I told him that if the ball went as far out of play as he was suggesting might happen, his runner was most likely going to get 2 bases anyways. He continued to argue and I told him that was enough. He continued again and I again told him "Enough. Let's Play" and directed my focus back at the pitcher. Play resumed.

Top of the 3rd and there was a passed ball and a throw down to 3rd on a steal, the throw beat the runner by a mile and the tag beat the runner by a fairly wide margin give the fact that the runner froze in the base line. Lee came flying out of the dugout again, saying "BLUE THAT WASNT EVEN CLOSE!". I told him to watch it and he said "that's a horrible call!", at that point I said "warning!" and pointed at him.

During the top of the 6th, I was watching a play at 1st while keeping R1 in my peripheral. Team 3 made the out at 1st base and after the play, Coach Lee came out of the dugout again saying "the kid slid headfirst into second he's out". I said "No" and again he raised his voice in an agressive tone as he asked "why the hell not?" I said that although that wasn't covered in the pre-game meeting, both teams had slid that way so far in the game and nothing was said. Also, I didn't get an excellent view on the play at 2nd due to my angle but I had R1 sliding in feet first which the base coach of Team 2 yelled back to Lee in protest. As Lee continued to argue I told him, "that's enough and I don't want to hear another negative word for the remainder of the game".

EJ report from last week:

Tonight's game started as well as any. At the beginning of the game I told the coaches since it was a practice game I wasn't going to worry about normal procedural stuff as much as I understand both coaches want to make a lot of pitching and defensive changes as well as possibly taking more visits to the mound. Coaches shook hands and all was well for the first 2 innings or so. During the bottom of the 2nd, there was a lot of comments from players in the dugout of the VT along the lines of "that's not a strike", "Blue doesn't know what he's doing" and "doesn't he know it's where it crosses not where it lands". I didn't take the comments personally at all as most of the kids at this age don't really seem to actually know where the ball is. However, between the bottom of the 2nd and top of the 3rd I went over to the coach of the visiting team and told him that even though it was a practice game I was issuing a bench warning just as a preliminary measure if things got out of hand. The coach asked why and I told him that while I understood the nature of the player's comments, it was still unsportsmanlike and needed to stop. The coach then replied "Oh that's lovely" in a very sarcastic tone.

All was fine until the bottom of the 4th when the pitcher of the VT was in my judgement covering his face too much with his mitt as well as positioning his hands in a way that was distracting to the batter. I felt that this was enough of a violation of MLB rule 8.02 a that I called time and requested that the pitcher change his motion. The coach of the visiting team said "what the hell are you talking about blue? I've never heard of that!" after which I told him why I made that judgement and he continued to argue. I said "coach you're done" and then resumed play. After the next pitch there were a few gentlemen off to the side of the of the backstop on the HT side of the field making more belligerent comments about my judgement. In between pitches I called time and asked for the comments to cease. After play had finished in that half of the inning one of the gentlemen beckoned for me off to the side and said "we were just talking, you don't have any right to tell me what to do". I responded by saying that while I try not to engage with spectators, it is part of my job to control the behavior on the field and I felt that his comments were out of line. The man said something negative under his breath that I couldn't catch. At that point I announced to the field that I was issuing a full bench warning to both sides and that unsportsmanlike comments have no place in this environment. The coach of the home team was surprised at this announcement and asked why I was issuing the warning. I told the coach "I've had no problems with you but your parents are a little out of line" at which the HT coach hollered at his bleachers "hey parents... guys... SHUT UP, knock off the comments".

In between innings the coach of the VT came up to me and said "if you would have noticed, all my pitchers do that and I've never had another umpire make the statement that you did". I told him again why I felt it needed to be brought up and added that it wasn't a big deal, more of an "instructional moment" and in further that I didn't want to hear anymore about the situation or have anymore arguments.

Bottom 6, 2 outs. I momentarily spaced out while tracking a foul ball and forgot to add a strike on my indicator so when the HT base coach asked me for the count I replied "2 and 0" instead of 2 and 1. A parent for the visiting team began yelling at me "HEY WAIT THERE WAS A FOUL IT SHOULD BE 2 AND 1". I then remembered the foul ball I forgot to add and said "okay no problem the count is 2 and 1 but for future reference please do not tell me what the count is". At that point the VT coach came bursting out of his dugout and said "what the hell blue?". I told him that I was fine modifying my count but that the way it was requested by the parent was out of line and he needed to go back to his dugout. He responds "what the hell man, you wont take anything!!! I've given way more crap to umps before over less stuff, you need to figure it out". I said "coach you're gone, go to your car". At that point he said "man you suck, I've been coaching for 4 years and given way more crap and you just don't have the right stuff man but I'm not leaving the field". I then instructed all the players to come off the field at which point the VT coach said "fine I'll leave". After that the entire bench for the VT booed every single call I made after every pitch for the rest of the inning (2 more batters). After the inning had finished the home team decided to call the game.

[mtnump]

First...Welcome!!!

Are you working 1 man on these or 2? If 2 where is your partner? Sounds like the ground rules needed to be covered better in pre-game for situation #1 in the first game. I have worked on several fields where the out of play area is designated by an imaginary line between point a and point b or the fence line extended. It is not ideal, but it works. Saves you all that explaining, which didn't do you any favors. The sliding head first should be enforced ALL the time. In LL as I am sure it is in PONY the rule is there as a safety measure. Letting some things go gets you painted in a corner. The "that wasn't even close" warranted a warning, the next negative comment is bye-bye time.

The second game, grow a thicker skin. I know it gets annoying listening to all the comments that go on, but if they are not directed at you personally it is just chatter. We all here it, but until it becomes arguing balls and strikes I don't feel they have crossed the line. No need to issue a warning IMO. The pitcher and his wind-up I am not sure what he was doing to make you issue the ultimatum, but if it is a practice game and you have already dispensed with a lot of the procedural stuff, talk to the coach about it in between innings and let him fix it. DON'T engage the fans . They can talk and chirp all they want. If it becomes a personal attack or threatening then you have to act, but otherwise grow a thicker skin.

Attititude plays a role in how you are treated. I was not there, but I am thinking you can handle things a little more diplomatically and save yourself some grief. That does not mean letting the coaches run over you. If you need to, give your UIC a heads up as to the problems you have had and see if others are having the same difficulties. Have the UIC or a senior umpire come and observe or work a game with you. Get to know each field you are working and be explicit in pre-game. There are other things that I am sure some others here in the forum will comment on.

:GL:

[jjb]

Jeff: Understand that what you see in our responses is Constructive Criticism: you’re new at this part of the game, and you will make a bunch of mistakes (just like us old farts). The idea is to learn from them, and asking for feedback on this Board (as opposed to others) will help you understand what the mistakes were. OK?

OK, Mtn’s right: you needed a better Plate Meeting. You’ve got to go over the Ground Rules, each and every time, for each and every coach. This way, they will know and understand (hopefully) what you will use as Out of Play, and keep you from future arguments.

I get the impression that you’re working alone out there: some Leagues do it, and you’ll have to live with it, or go somewhere else. At the same time, the coaches need to know (remember the Plate Meeting?) that you’re alone out there, you will, by definition, be out of position occasionally, but you will make the best call you can, and don’t want to hear any static. If they have a problem, tell them to hire more umpires.

It sounds like you’ve got a Jekyll/Hyde thing going out there, as far as game management. On the one hand, you’re letting fans get to you to where it’s affecting your game.

Learn this Rule: Spectators Don’t Exist. That means you ignore them. Don’t respond to what they say, don’t respond to what they ask, and certainly don’t let them advise you about things like the count. That’s for coaches to ask about. If they get too personal, or begin to disrupt the game, turn them over to the coach, (like you did).

On the other hand, you’re giving WAY too many warnings to coaches.

As far as chirping about your zone, try it this way: It's called Ignore, Acknowledge, Warn, Eject.

The first time they chirp, Ignore Them. The second time, stand up, turn to them, and look at them. Don’t say anything, don’t smile, just look at them for a few seconds. Then, go back to work. The third time, turn, take your mask off, hold your hand up in a “stop†sign and say these words “Coach, I have heard Enoughâ€. That’s all, nothing else. The very next time, turn and CALMLY say, “Coach, you’re ejectedâ€.

But, if they have a question on a play, try this: (1) Look at him in the eye. Ask him: “tell me what you sawâ€. Now (2) LISTEN to him. It may be that he’s asking about something completely different from what you thought. Finally, (3) answer him. If it’s a judgment call (safe/out/fair/foul), calmly say “It’s not the way I saw it, coachâ€, and that’s the end of it. If it’s a Rule Interpretation, calmly say “that’s not the rule, coachâ€.

As far as telling a pitcher to change his motion, I’ve gotta agree with the coach: I’ve never heard of iteither. You’d have to be more specific as to what he was doing. You’re not an Instructor out there: you’re an Adjudicator. If he’s doing something illegal, balk him. If not, leave him alone.

Relax, you'll be fine: it sounds like you've got a League a little out of line, trying to take advantage of a new umpire. Keep asking questions, and keep improving. Good luck.

[Mr Umpire]

First, keep things anonymous as possible on a forum. You don't want the wrong person seeing it and you get in more trouble for nothing.

Second, ground rules have to be defined and adhered to. If the ball goes OOP, then it is OOP. No judgment there really. The only judgment would be "Did it cross the imaginary line or not?" Sounds like it did and thus a 2 base or 1 base award depending on the situation.

Third, too many warnings. Once you say "That's enough" about something, there are no more warnings. From then on, he gets an explanation 1 time. If he continues to argue it, .

Unless there is a local rule about sliding head first, PONY doesn't have one. PONY is much closer to the pro rules than LL.

Fourth, dispense with any extra commentary. "I don't want to hear another negative word for the remainder of the game" or "go to your car" needs to be taken out. Simply and calmly say "You're gone" while giving the hook.

Fifth, ignore the players/coaches if they are saying it in the dugout amongst themselves. When they start saying it at you, then you need to acknowledge it. I hear quite well and they think they are getting away with it but they aren't. Many are not too bright but they think we are the ones who aren't.

Sixth, unless you know he is altering the ball, you have nothing to call under 8.02. Where is the evidence? And, how is he distracting the batter? If it distracts a batter b/c he can't see the pitcher's face, then that batter needs to find a different hobby. I think you overstepped on that one and the coach called you on it.

Seventh, leave fans alone. You are only responsible for those between the fences. Don't listen to them and don't interact with them. Fan is short for fanatic which many of them are. They are some crazy Sons of b's. Don't address them.

Eighth, this is where the "cocky" part comes in. You messed up the count. So what. A parent reminded you of what the count is. So what. You corrected it and the game should have moved on. But, you felt the need to stop it and tell everyone that you do not need any help. You will mess things up yourself just fine without their help. That is being too cocky for assistance. Get that chip off your shoulder. It will get you in trouble and is completely unnecessary. If this is a trend, this is why they think you are too cocky.

The home team calling the game should send a message to you. They all felt you were out of line. I don't know about some of it but most of it sounds like you might have. Take it as a learning experience and adjust from there. Hopefully, you will continue and get with more experienced umpires who truly know what they are doing. Watch them and learn. Handle a situation and then ask them what they think of it and how you can improve for next time. Getting better at it does not come over night. It takes many times of having situations like this to learn where to draw the line and where to "let it go". It takes time.

I like how you handled the VT coach after ejecting him. He refused to leave so you told the kids to get off the field until he does. Good job. Don't put up with them telling you what they are not going to do or what they will do. You are in charge of the progress of the game. Handle that when you need to.

Learn and keep coming here and anywhere else you can to learn. Watch others. Go to games when you are not calling and see how they handle a situation. Take the good and use it. Take the bad and remember not to look like them again.

[SnareDrum]

Indeed, any ground rules about things like a missing fence should be covered in pre-game at the plate. Whenever you're on a field that's new to you, you could get in the habit of just looking around for gaps or lack of fences and ask the coaches what the usual ground rules are so it doesn't come down to a judgment call.

Check with your UIC regarding the head-first slide and clarify if the runner has to have a play being made on him, and if it's ok to go head-first to a preceding base (the "get-back" dive). Consider covering this in your pre-game, as well as any other league specific rules.

8.02... I'm not sure what you were seeing here, but it sounds like they were doing the old Andy Pettitte windup with the glove in front of the face? I'm not sure what the violation was, but I wasn't there. Could you specify where in 8.02 you saw someting? Anybody else have something?

As mtnump said, THICK skin. I turn on my invisible mute button when I'm on the field. Nothing a fan says short of a personal, vulgar, or racist gets through. Losing the count will happen, and if it someone shouts it out and if you know they're right, just eat that one, announce the count and move on. "That was a foul ball. 2-1. PLAY!" Some on here will say that if you have 2-0, it's 2-0, but that's your decision. As a general rule, nothing, nothing, nothing that is said on the other side of the fence should be heard by you, except for what I mentioned above. A bunch of clowns on the Dad's Row shouldn't affect you at all.

If you can, find out where ANY games at ANY level (preferably HS or higher) are being played in your area and go check them out. Observe how the umpires communicate both verbally and non-verbally with each other and the coaches. Notice also how they pretty much ignore the fans.

If I think of something else, I'll be back, but I think you're about to get a lot of constructive criticism and input on this. If you don't quite understand what one us is saying, ASK!

GOOD LUCK!!

btw, did your league have any kind of orientation for you, or did they just toss you out there?

[Jeff]

Indeed, any ground rules about things like a missing fence should be covered in pre-game at the plate. Whenever you're on a field that's new to you, you could get in the habit of just looking around for gaps or lack of fences and ask the coaches what the usual ground rules are so it doesn't come down to a judgment call.

Check with your UIC regarding the head-first slide and clarify if the runner has to have a play being made on him, and if it's ok to go head-first to a preceding base (the "get-back" dive). Consider covering this in your pre-game, as well as any other league specific rules.

8.02... I'm not sure what you were seeing here, but it sounds like they were doing the old Andy Pettitte windup with the glove in front of the face? I'm not sure what the violation was, but I wasn't there. Could you specify where in 8.02 you saw someting? Anybody else have something?

As mtnump said, THICK skin. I turn on my invisible mute button when I'm on the field. Nothing a fan says short of a personal, vulgar, or racist gets through. Losing the count will happen, and if it someone shouts it out and if you know they're right, just eat that one, announce the count and move on. "That was a foul ball. 2-1. PLAY!" Some on here will say that if you have 2-0, it's 2-0, but that's your decision. As a general rule, nothing, nothing, nothing that is said on the other side of the fence should be heard by you, except for what I mentioned above. A bunch of clowns on the Dad's Row shouldn't affect you at all.

If you can, find out where ANY games at ANY level (preferably HS or higher) are being played in your area and go check them out. Observe how the umpires communicate both verbally and non-verbally with each other and the coaches. Notice also how they pretty much ignore the fans.

If I think of something else, I'll be back, but I think you're about to get a lot of constructive criticism and input on this. If you don't quite understand what one us is saying, ASK!

GOOD LUCK!!

btw, did your league have any kind of orientation for you, or did they just toss you out there?

Lots of good advice that I mostly agree with. For starters, yes my league just threw me out there and for the most part I haven't had any issues. These two coaches have been looked at by the league and a careful eye is being continually kept. As far as 8.02a, PONY suggests for umpires to show the pitcher when he is doing something wrong that way he can properly correct his mistake. The Andy Pettite comment was right but he was also just doing something he hadn't done before and it looked odd. I know I was probably reading way to much into it but I've also read a lot of you on here say if your gut is tugging at you, don't ignore it. As far as the Mom telling me what count it was, she was about as derogatory and nasty without being vulgar as I have ever heard which was why I made the warning. I've done a couple 18U games already and have another one next weekend and if there's a count question usually the scorekeeper will ask me and I have NO problem with that. I know I'm leaving some more stuff out so I'll just keep responding as I see more feedback. Finally, I'd like to add that I really don't feel cocky in all of this. I try to be flexible given the age levels I handle. I have no problem with a coach having a question, wanting a play explained, etc. I just don't know how in the bleep I'm carrying myself in the wrong way because every coach I've calmly explained something to has given me no end of grief. I'm 20 and 5'7ish and most of the coaches stare down at me with an utter look of disdain. I like my UIC a lot but he is a busy guy and doesn't have a ton of time to work with me. I work my games, read my rulebooks, I'm on here ALL the time, on YouTube and after I hit send I'm going to my Dad's work because his boss is an NBUA ump and he said he'd love to sit down and try and help me out.

I love this and when I get through this season and get some more experience I think I need to move up a level or change leagues. I like PONY but some of the coaches are a$$es because of geographic location if you catch my drift.

-Jeff

[Mr Umpire]

I'm 20 and 5'7ish and most of the coaches stare down at me with an utter look of disdain.

-Jeff

And, without us being able to see you on the field, this may be the whole issue.

[mstaylor]

Some coaches are going to try you for two reasons, you are yong and you are new. We have a kid in our group that started umpiring when he was fourteen. We had a PONY coach that felt he was horrible and no business on a field. He just went to pro school this year and got invited to PBUC. He is on the waiting list but that makes him pretty darn good. Rght now he is only nineteen and he got challanged at the HS level but he survived. Once they figure you know what you are doing it will be much easier.

[Jeff]

Keep the comments coming guys, its really helpful. My sit down with my Dad's boss went really well and he had a lot of tips for what to do and not to do. I have a feeling that if I start getting better with game management and plate meetings that it will become obvious whether or not I'm cocky or the coaches are misbehaving. For now I'll cautiously err on the side of "it's me".

[mstaylor]

You're considered cocky because you are trying to control adults that can't control themselves.

[Jeff]

You're considered cocky because you are trying to control adults that can't control themselves.

You know I wouldn't be surprised if there was a little noobish ignorance coming out of me but I can honestly say I'm a really easy going and flexible person. I just don't have the reputation or the confidence to say "No I handled that decently, that coach was looking for a fight".

I've got a DH on Saturday and games Mon-Tuesday so I'll see how it goes with all this new info I got.

[noumpere]

Tonight, Coach Lee for Bronco team 3's behavior was awful. At the beginning of the game he was very sarcastic in what was a normal, low-key pre-game meeting. EJ report from last week:

Tonight's game started as well as any.

Your ejection reports are too long and contain too many subjective comments. Channel your inner Joe Friday and give just the fax.

[mtnump]

If the UIC is busy see if your dad's boss can come watch a game or two. I just had the local HS Association rep come watch me do a LL majors game and he had some pearls of wisdom that have already helped. A mentor is important in whatever you pursue in life...find a good one and be open to their feedback.

Don't kid yourself...there are coaches that are a$$e$ everywhere...geographic location or level of play has little to do with it!!!

[mstaylor]

As a new guy and young, don't be confrontational but don't be afraid to call a hard call. However don't go looking for boogers either, if it is a minor mechanical error with a pitcher just tell the coach. If he actually balks then balk him, just remember they are just learning so be gentle.

I agree your reports are too long. It is just like being on the field, the less said the batter. When you fill out a report just list what lead to the ejection and what was said. List both what you said and he said or did that got him tossed. Leave the fluff out. Keep showing us what you are doing and we will help.

[Dragon29]

Check with your UIC regarding the head-first slide and clarify if the runner has to have a play being made on him, and if it's ok to go head-first to a preceding base (the "get-back" dive). Consider covering this in your pre-game, as well as any other league specific rules.

I concur w/everything others have written and with Roger, other than the bolded portion of the above quote.

I would definitely advise against having a rules clinic at the plate meeting. It's not only a complete waste of time, it's not your job, which is to know & properly apply the rules. If the coaches want to know the rules, they have facility to do so. Keep the plate meeting to to Introductions, Line-ups, Ground Rules and 'Are all your players legally & properly equipped to play the game of baseball today?' - Play!

[SnareDrum]

Check with your UIC regarding the head-first slide and clarify if the runner has to have a play being made on him, and if it's ok to go head-first to a preceding base (the "get-back" dive). Consider covering this in your pre-game, as well as any other league specific rules.

I concur w/everything others have written and with Roger, other than the bolded portion of the above quote.

I would definitely advise against having a rules clinic at the plate meeting. It's not only a complete waste of time, it's not your job, which is to know & properly apply the rules. If the coaches want to know the rules, they have facility to do so. Keep the plate meeting to to Introductions, Line-ups, Ground Rules and 'Are all your players legally & properly equipped to play the game of baseball today?' - Play!

I hear ya'.. The reason I mentioned to only consider it that is because the director of our comp leagues and UIC makes us, but only for the first two weeks. After that it's just like you have up there. This year, we dumped the headfirst rule, so for the first two weeks this year, it was really only our bucket rule, a modified clock, and game-ending procedure at time limit. Not really a rules clinic, and it doesn't take that long. (And I've seen that there is less confusion and arguing and things seem to go smoother. When we had the slide rule, it was amazing how many coaches would turn and tell their team for the first time that there were no head-firsts.) But, I agree that the coaches need to know what's going on and not space out during the pre-season meetings when they're told this stuff, but one "Really? OK." at the plate could eliminate a "WTF Blue!" and an EJ later that night or that season. Also there's usually two players at the plate with us, and they hear it and help spread the word. Outside of this league, it's pretty much what you have, too. Sometimes at a tournament, the TD will ask us to remind the coaches of whatever, and I will.

Maybe check with other umpires at your league and your UIC (and other umpires) and get an outline of a good pre-game that they use.

[Dragon29]

Maybe check with other umpires at your league and your UIC (and other umpires) and get an outline of a good pre-game that they use.

That's excellent advice!

[yawetag]

I would definitely advise against having a rules clinic at the plate meeting. It's not only a complete waste of time, it's not your job, which is to know & properly apply the rules. If the coaches want to know the rules, they have facility to do so. Keep the plate meeting to to Introductions, Line-ups, Ground Rules and 'Are all your players legally & properly equipped to play the game of baseball today?' - Play!

I used to work at a field that had small rule differences between age groups. During the plate meeting, I don't make it a clinic, but I'll add: "This is a <age group> game, correct>" Then I'll say: "I do games at all the levels here, and I know you coaches might have teams at different levels, so let me make sure I've got the differences right for this level: (go through SHORT list of the mods).

This way, I'm verifying that the level I was assigned is being played (it has been mixed up before) and that we're all on the same page for the modifications. It adds 15-20 seconds to the plate meeting.

[PonyUmpire]

As an umpire who looks young (I'm 18), I can definitely relate to the dynamic that Jeff is describing. When I walk onto the field, I don't command much initial respect from coaches, especially when I umpire higher levels (Bronco/Pony). This means that I have to place a heavy focus on game management. This is my approach:

1.) Shut down chirping (from coaches, about judgement calls) EARLY. Coaches will walk all over you if you don't assert yourself. When doing this, it is important not to come off as cocky or belligerent, but rather firm and professional. I'll generally start with a diplomatic "coach, we're not arguing balls and strikes", followed by a firm "that's enough" if argument continues. Lay off the "I don't want to hear any additional verbal aspersions of my strike zone". Be brief, be firm.

2.) Know when to let things go. Sometimes, you have to decide whether to so something that will almost certainly instigate a confrontation. This doesn't mean ignoring rules. Comments from fans, however, are things that should be let go.

3.) Whenever I am on the field I try to convey that I am doing my utmost to call the best game I can. This means showing alertness, and hustling to get in the best position to make calls. Even if you are still developing your skills as an umpire, coaches will appreciate seeing effort on your part.

4.) Understand that game management become less of a problem as you become a better official. A good amount of game management "incidents", in my experience, stem (at least partially) from something on my end. When I started umpiring travel ball, for example, I got repeated grief from calling high strikes. Instead of working on how to get the coaches to shut up, I worked on balling pitches above the bottom of the letters. Once I started calling a more appropriate zone for the level of play, the problem resolved itself. This doesn't mean you should let coaches walk all over you, just try to get better every game, and try to identify what you need to improve on (the criticism you get from coaches can sometimes help with this).

5.) Find a way to maintain your composure. Losing your composure leads to mistakes, which leads to confrontations with coaches. This can create a vicious cycle.

[BalkHawk]

Dress sharp. Google "gig line."

Rehearse your pregame speech. Make it shorter. Always move with a purpose.

Never, ever reach for their approval. Never, ever let 'em know they got to you. You are in charge, as per the official rules. No need to try to prove it. If they disagree with your judgement, make 'em stop so the game can resume. Your ego and opinion are worth nothing. Its just that the game must play on.

Perfect the (short and sweet) warning. Chirping? "That's enough." Toe-ing the line of ejection? "Knock it off." Never say "that's a warning." (pointing while declaring "warning!" is worse yet.) Many times, a simple "let's play" gets the point across.

If you see a pitcher doing something you don't like, but you can't be sure of the rule against it, bite your tongue. Go to the books as soon as you get home. Next time, be able to confidently rule against it (or know it is legal.)

Every game you do, get a little more dirt under your boots.

Have fun!

[mstaylor]

Although the OP is old, it proves why solo is a horrible idea. What is a new guy learning? He is enforcing things that don't exist, handling coaches incorrectly and other things, but with no experienced partner to tell him when he does something wrong, how is he going to learn. We can help him to an extent after the fact but likely he may have mechanical issues, timing and other things we can't. Look at the way Ponyump looked in his first video, decent for a young umpire, then look at his second video. Night and day. 

[NoCal Blue]

Your going to get a lot of advice about this.....take it all in.

 

If I could add to what's already been said it would be this;

 

1). Treat each game as if it were your first with those teams' coaches. Easier said than done I know, but you can't step on the field with nonsense from other games clouding your judgement.

 

2). Don't take anything personally until it becomes personal. Coaches are there to advocate for their teams. Some do it correctly, some don't. When they don't there are consequences. Question a rule...fine. Question a guideline...O.K. Make it about me..... .