In light of the fact that our 1999 AFU Rookie School starts in less than one month, I would like to share some thoughts with my fellow officials.

           It is a great responsibility that we assume when we accept a game assignment. Not just accurately logging in the time, date and field location of the assignment, but in terms of fully understanding your role as the official, particularly in a game where you are the only umpire.

           As an association we educate, train and yes even nurture our cadre of umpires, throughout the year. As enablers, we build up our umpires, imbuing them with information, mechanics and techniques to make them better at what they do. But only to a point, because the competence an official displays comes from within.

           Arriving at the game in a timely fashion is a given. It is the easiest thing you do. Wearing proper equipment and looking the part is also a simple aspect of your responsibilities. Your skill, however, will be tested in your game control skills. Not in regimented, "I'm in charge" fashion but in your fluid and flexible pace, your understanding of the skills level adjustments you will make in the game you are working. The respect for all involved, including the players regardless of age or ability level. This takes great experience and a focused awareness on your part and will start with the first game you officiate.

           You will begin to know that you are on the right path when you walk onto a field and are greeted warmly based on your previous experience with that group or community. Why? Because your game control skills matched up well with the skills level of play and therefore you were judged by all those who saw you work, as a competent official.

           To sum up, being a professional umpire at the amateur baseball or softball level requires significantly more of you than knowledge of the rules, good mechanics, and a consistent strike zone. It requires unwavering confidence in yourself, and your ability to tailor your officiating skills to the game being played, coupled with a genuine desire that you would rather be nowhere else than where you are right now for the next few hours!

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Any member of the AFU that would be interested in writing an article about umpiring and would like to have them published on our web site please contact Dave Mekelburg AFU#9 at: info@americanfederationofumpires.com