According to former minor league umpire Tyler Hoffman, too many umpires focus on the idea of having an argument rather than pursuing the avenue toward a professional discussion and defusing the situation.

Four different types of arguments

1. Legitimate - in which both sides have a point.

• While engaged in a legitimate discussion you should be more understanding. Keep your voice level and calm.
  

2. Intimidation - in which one party is using the argument only to force his/her will.

• When intimidation is the main factor you must exude extreme confidence. Keep responses very short, i.e."He was safe coach" , "Coach, I was right on that call"
  

3. Situational - in which the argument is only valid within the context of a particular situation, (think of a close call at 1st base with 2 outs in the last inning of a blowout )

• Exude extreme confidence and keep your responses very short.
  

4. Personality - in which the argument is driven more by the clash between the individuals
arguing than by the incident being argued.

The Neutral Dispassionate Approach

• Personality arguments call for your skills in adapting and adjusting to the person's style of communication.
  
• Let him\her wind down
  

The Proactive Down To Business Approach

• Disarm him/her immediately i.e. "Coach dial it down if you want to discuss this with me." , " If you can't be civil there will be no discussion." , "Coach I'm trying my best to keep you in this game, so dial it down."
  

Umpires looking to advance should be able to identify each situation and apply the correct professional formula.

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