How to Talk to Umpires

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Umpires are a special breed. The very nature of their job requires them to be right all the time. They’re not. However, their personality has to match their job description. They have to be confident and decisive in their calls and believe they are correct every time. You will rarely if ever change an umpire’s mind on a call, unless you can convince him that another umpire had a better view as maybe his was obstructed or he was out of position. Again, hard to do, but sometimes it happens.

For instance, during a tag play the fielder drops the ball and the umpire does not see it because it is on the other side of the play where he is positioned. Have him ask for help. If another umpire has a better view and saw the play, you may get a reversal. However, umpires do not always have to ask for assistance just because you want them to. Know the rules, that’s your best defense.

Arguing is an art form all itself. It was once told to me never get personal with an umpire. That same logic still holds true. For example, if you say to an umpire, “That call stinks,” that’s impersonal. You’re good. However, once you say, “You stink,” it’s personal. You’re gone.

There are a couple of ways to argue as well. The first that comes to mind is in the heat of the moment, a blown call and you instinctively run out and argue the call. One thing to keep in mind is to keep your cool. Try to remain as calm as possible. Yelling and screaming looks great to the fans and the team, but gets you nowhere with the man in blue. The best way to get the umpire’s attention is to be specific, either you or him. Ask why he made that call. What did he see? "Nope, foot got under the tag" or "throw beat him," etc. Give him your perspective. "How could runner be out when shortstop is straddling the bag and tags the runner on the hip?"