|
What's Wrong with this Picture?
(besides the swing and a miss) |
Play at 3rd
An Ump Out from Behind the Plate!!!
(this rare (?) photo worth millions) |
Getting the Best Angle for Throw at 1st
and Play at Home
(catcher in good position to watch) |
| Subject: NSA Umpire Evaluation Analysis
To: All Virginia NSA Umpires
From: Frank Rachubka, State UIC
Ron Zuhl, State Slowpitch UIC
Gentlemen:
The Umpire Evaluation form that I will be using has a total of
twelve categories in which you will be measured. What you will find
here is an explanation of what I will be looking for or considering
for each of those categories. The explanations are short but should
be fairly clear in meaning.
1. DRESS - Proper NSA Official uniform
2. PROMPTNESS - Arrive prior to the first scheduled game 30
minutes before start time
3. COMMAND OF THE GAME - Do you have the respect of the
players? Do you keep the game moving? Do you enforce the rules,
including the hard calls?
4. HUSTLE - Are you in the proper position for the situation,
including behind the plate and on the bases? Do you keep moving so
that the game is not waiting on you?
5. BALLS & STRIKES – Do you know the strike zone and let the
teams know what you called? Do you work the corners?
6. CONSISTENCY - In everything you do: strike zone, getting
in position, verbal skills, mechanics, communication, and relating
with the players and coaches.
7. OVERALL ATTITUDE - You are there for the benefit of the
teams. What is your demeanor on the field? What are your mannerisms?
How do you communicate with the players? Does your expression say
how you feel?
8. PROFESSIONALISM - How do you react to pressure? Do you
keep your composure in tough situations. Poise. What is your
presence when entering and leaving the field? Do you cooperate with
your UIC?
9. HANDLES RESPONSIBILITY – Do you accept your assignment? Do
you use good judgement?
10. GENERAL APPEARANCE - Is your uniform clean? Are you neat
and clean shaven? Shoes shined? Do you make an effort to stay
physically able to perform and excel as an umpire?
11. MECHANICS - Positioning behind the plate or on the bases:
are you getting the best angle to make the call? Do you use proper
arm signals and vocal signals so that the teams know what the call
was? Are you consistent with your calls? Where are you between
innings?
12. OVERALL KNOWLEDGE OF THE RULES - Do you know what they
are? As they apply to the situation? How do you apply them? Do you
make the tough call?
All of these categories make up the necessary ingredients for being
a good umpire. If you will review each one and apply them to how you
officiate, and keep in mind what changes you need to make – you are
well on your way to being a good umpire. Please give thought to each
area and if you have questions of what is expected, please ask. This
evaluation is for the purposes of helping each of you to be the best
umpire you can be. I will sit and discuss with you the results of
the evaluation as well as ideas and/or suggestions for improving
yourself.
The goal is to have consistency among our umpires, to build a group
comradery, and to provide the best environment in which we can enjoy
what we like to do – CALL SOFTBALL!
Sincerely,
Ron Zuhl
2006 Virginia NSA Slowpitch Umpire in Chief
Frank Rachubka, NSA Overall Umpire in Chief
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