As an incoming rookie for the 2001 season, I haven't even completed half of the curriculum that will qualify me to join the ranks of the AFU. I wait anxiously for the start of my first season as a professional umpire working at the amateur level. A "little league" umpire for the last two seasons, I have worked quite a few games and have experienced a large number of interesting situations. Apart from a two hour intensive seminar on rules and mechanics given to me by my local little league (by AFU umpires in fact) I was and still am a raw umpire with a basic understanding of how to call a good crisp game and properly interpret the rules. That day at the clinic taught me strong umpiring philosophies, ones that I could immediately apply to my expanding knowledge.I wanted to attend Rookie School that year but was unable to because of age restrictions. So here I am two years later armed with a better understanding of what it means to be a good umpire and a greater desire to succeed than before.

I like to think that my first day as an umpire began at that clinic because from then on I never looked at a game without watching how the umpire reacted to a play, how he positioned himself and how he made the call.I remember last year as a player (catcher) muttering "angle over proximity Blue!" under my breath as the plate umpire worked to get better positioning while calling the runner safe despite the fact that I had clearly tagged him before he reached the plate. At least that's how I like to remember it! More importantly I came away with a clear understanding of just how difficult it is to get the call right.

In the last two years I've learned as much about the psychological and emotional aspects of umpiring as I have the practical and mechanical skills. While busting to a spot, bringing my body under control in order to make the call is very important. It is the way you control the game flow and especially how you present yourself in a mature professional manner that appealed to me. Finally the one thing that was said at the clinic and again the first night of Rookie School is that you must look for ways to improve your game all the time.There is always a rule you can better understand.You may be a strong plate umpire who needs work on timing and positioning as a field umpire.But the idea that really stayed with me was the fact that as good as everyone is in our group I too have the opportunity to get to that same level if I'm willing to take my commitment to umpiring seriously. That is what I hope to accomplish over the years, to be the best I can be.

---

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