The Essentials of Game Management

Jeff Amaral Massachusetts ASA State UIC

DISCLAIMERThrough the use of “social media” many “unique” situations have been caught on

camera – these are “real” situations. These photos were procured through public

forums!Act like you are always on camera!

Enjoy!

Jeff Amaral Massachusetts ASA State UIC

What is an Umpire?

Umpire: a person who controls or manages play and makes sure that players act according to

the rules in a sports event.

www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/umpire

Jeff Amaral Massachusetts ASA State UIC

What is Game Management?• Attitude

• Field Presence• Professionalism• Communications • Credibility

• Game Awareness• Fitness

• Team Officiating • Common Sense

Is an umpire’s disposition, his/her communication with players, coaches, and

partners. The approach used, his/her outlook for each situation, the mannerism followed

and their demeanor.

ATTITUDE

ATTITUDE = BEHAVIORS

Attitude?

How do you change your attitude?

ATTITUDE

By becoming more tolerant and/or understanding of others, and to

respect the role of others in the game.

An umpire’s field presence starts with his/her dress and appearance when they first walk on

the field.

FIELD PRESENCE

FIELD PRESENCE

How do we enhance our Field Presence? -Responsiveness to questions should be positive

-Be cognizant of his/her attitude and any body language

-Be prompt and accurate on calls when partners request help

Look the part – make that positive first impression!

Look and act like an umpire. How you walk onto the field at the beginning

of the game, the signals you give, and once again, your attitude and mannerisms during confrontations.

Be on time to all games!

PROFESSIONLISM

PROFESSIONLISM

•Maintain calmness that encourages approachability

•Listen first, then listen some more

•Be aware of your body language

•Be aware of your tone of voice

•Be aware of your demeanor & field presence

- Know the Rules

- Maintain Effective communication skills: both Verbal and Listening

- Effective Game Management through self-control and a current knowledge of ASA mechanics

PROFESSIONLISM

Jeff Amaral Massachusetts ASA State UIC

• Team officiating requires good communication

• DO NOT overrule a partner(s) unless they’ve misapplied a rule and then only if the partner

requests help.

• Work as a TEAM!

Team Officiating /Communications

Team Officiating/Communications

Work Together!

Jeff Amaral Massachusetts ASA State UIC

• Reflect an assurance that the umpire knows exactly what he/she is doing in the game.

• Umpires need to gain RESPECT!

• Credibility comes from continuous hard work and time preparing oneself for the job.

Credibility

Jeff Amaral Massachusetts ASA State UIC

The ability to both think like a ballplayer and be a student of the game, through game situations.

Game Awareness

Jeff Amaral Massachusetts ASA State UIC

Game Awareness

Jeff Amaral Massachusetts ASA State UIC

Keep your head in the game as situations vary and you should be prepared and ready for each and every possibility.

Game Awareness

Jeff Amaral Massachusetts ASA State UIC

Appearance is an important aspect of the umpire. If you look like a professional it helps gain respect. Maintaining a good level of fitness not only helps an umpire’s movement but it also improves their ability to maintain focus throughout the game.

Fitness / Conditioning

Jeff Amaral Massachusetts ASA State UIC

Is the ability to make sound and prudent judgment based on a simple perception of the situation or facts.

Common Sense

GOOD UMPIRING REQUIRES GOOD COMMON SENSE

Jeff Amaral Massachusetts ASA State UIC

Comes from Leading by example - If you want players to hustle on and off the field then you should hustle to your next position at the end of the inning. Use preventative umpiring techniques to handle “little” problems.“Nip it” early to avoid problems later – Take

control when warranted.

Game Management

Jeff Amaral Massachusetts ASA State UIC

Ejections and Forfeits are “No Win” situations!

Avoid this whenever possible:

Jeff Amaral Massachusetts ASA State UIC

Maintain a Professional Appearance A Pre-Game with Partners is a “must” Enter and Inspect the Field with Partners Pre-Game Conference with Coaches is a “must” Maintain a Business-like and Professional

demeanor at all times Support your Crew Listen and Respond with Professionalism RESPECT the role of Others in the game

Game Management

Jeff Amaral Massachusetts ASA State UIC

“ALWAYS REMEMBER, AN UMPIRE IS EXPECTED

TO BE PERFECT THEIR FIRST GAME AND IMPROVE EACH GAME THEREAFTER!!”

Jeff Amaral Massachusetts ASA State UIC

What is Game Management?• Maintaining a Positive Attitude

• Exhibiting a Confident Field Presence• Maintaining Professionalism –LOOK the Part

• Communication – LISTEN • Credibility = RESPECT

• Game Awareness – Think like a Ball Player• Fitness – Be Mentally and Physically Fit

• Team Officiating – Work with your Partners• Common Sense – USE IT

Jeff Amaral Massachusetts ASA State UIC

The Desired Result is Mutual RESPECT

WORK TO EARN IT!