Arguing with Umpire – Poll Results!
ByPoll results are in!
Lasts weeks poll was about whether you felt it was ok to argue with baseball umpire’s when they make calls you don’t agree with.
The coaches at the Youth Baseball Insider do not feel it’s productive for you as a coach to argue calls with most youth level umpires. While we agree you should attempt to point out your concerns in a professional manner it does no good to go over board on questioning calls.
The reason we say this is because most youth level umpires are not really professional umpires and I promise you they are not going to be objective. If you go off the deep end with your arguments they are going to remember that the rest of the game you are in and will remember that every time they umpire your game.
You have to realize they are not paid much money and will not stay objective. Yes, if you are coaching a college or pro team arguing calls does become part of it. The umpires at that level for the most part forget about it after the game is over but that is not the case.
Don’t put your team at a disadvantage. Question calls in a professional manner but don’t get into a heated discussion or try to show up an umpire. You and your team will pay the price for some time to come.
Here are the results of the poll:
No, never with children around (49%)
Yes, they should get things right or learn how to (41%)
Yes, it shows my support of the team (10%)
Very interesting results as 41% felt it was ok to argue the calls. Can’t tell you that surprises me but I would hope you would see our point on this.
Good luck and until next time…
Well, coaches arguing with youth umpires is one of the reasons I wrote a book: how umpires can maintain control of the game, a few tips they can fall back on.
Just go to Amazon.com. Key in “The Complete Guide for Successful Umpiring: How to Survive Little League Baseball and the Soccer Mom.” While book underpinning is how the umpire controls the game, you can always jump to Chapter 17, “Sportsmanship and Game Control” where tips are listed.
While not fool proof, if umpires follow a few steps outlined they should have few if any problems. Basically, have a solid plate meeting (see Rule 4, “Starting and Ending a Game) then build from there.
Also check out website for quick read, http://www.americasbluecrew.com.
Thanks for your time.
Ron Hartnett
Cell: 402.301-4993