First, we would like to discuss the “Dress Code” for an umpire in the Just for Kicks Softball League, LLC. Appearance of a sports official is quite important. It does not matter the sport. First impressions are the most important.

In any endeavor in life looking the part is more than 50% to accomplish the task at hand.

Umpires must look the part when they enter the field of play. They must have the uniform as specified by the league, that is, the proper pants (color), the proper shirt, (PROPER SHIRT TUCKED IN) the proper shoes and a league designated official hat. An umpire should have a belt to hold up his pants and have a ball bag or 2 ball bags attached to the belt to place the game balls and any other pieces of paper, pens, indicator(s) as required by the league, such as “the line-up cards” and score sheets which should contain the names of the teams that are playing.

The hat must be worn properly, that is the beak of the hat must be forward, not backwards. Official umpire shirts are to be tucked into the pants not left hanging down to the knees. If shin guards are worn by an umpire they must be worn under the pants legs. It’s Ok when umpires wear shorts that the shin guards are showing to protect the legs.

Shorts are permitted during excessive heat days when the temperature is above 85 degrees. If shorts are worn they must be dress shorts not jeans or chino or cargo shorts. If an umpire decides to wear some sort of leg protection when they are wearing shorts, then the soccer style of guards can be worn.

Umpires must adhere to this dress code or be fined when found to be outside the expected dress code. Fine(s) are the loss of assignments.

REMEMBER THAT

PERCEPTION IS A REALITY

AND

IMAGE IS EVERYTHING!!

Below is a self-evaluation check list for all officials.

Appearance – is vital. Wear the appropriate uniform and equipment that is clean and pressed. All officials should be dressed alike.

Arrival Time – to the game. Officials must allow sufficient time for dressing, pre-game, setting up the basses and cones and timely, understandable and quick stated ground rules.

Attitude – is always positive. This is regarding your relationship and cooperation with the participants and your partner(s).

Behavior – should be exemplary on and off the field. Be respectful how you act and talk towards fans, players, coaches and partners.

Chatting – between innings with partners should be avoided unless it is vital.

Communication – uses a loud, clear, precise and timely voice to avoid confusion. Screaming does not place anyone in the right. Officials should speak softly.

Conferences – if applicable, they must be brief.

Consistency – of pitches and calls from the first to the last inning is essential. Try as hard as you can to be consistent. That is what all teams are looking for … consistency!

Demeanor – is pleasant when handling confrontations and difficult situations.

Deportment – how do you handle yourself and the players (sometimes referred to as “victims”) after missing a call.

Entrance & Exit – to & from the field- must always be with your partner with your heads held high. Do not hang out after the game is over, if it was a tough game. Get out of there. Get in your cars and quickly leave the field and head home. Hanging only can only cause more dialogue. Your dialog or responding back does not improve or make things better. In Short, “GET THE HELL OUT OF THERE”.

Equipment – every game you are required to check to determine if it is legal and functional. It’s the bats that are the most important to check.

Firmness – of calls vocally and with body language eliminates doubt on the part of the players. Selling the “call” is essential that leaves no doubt in your mind as well as the teams playing.

Game Management – maintains order (housekeeping chores) to keep the game moving along. Making teams hustle in and out is an important part in officiating. Your hustle is equally and most important.

Ground Rules – should be thorough and applied with consistency during the game. No changing once established.

HUSTLE – is an attitude and not an ability. Give yourself the best possible position and angle. Do not have any player, coach or manager tell you that you were out of position. Be in the right position at all times.

Intensity – maintains a high level of energy throughout the game. Don’t fall asleep on the job.

Mechanics – are to be decisive and crisp. Sometimes call a play several times so that all can see your signals. They may have been looking at the ball during your initial call.

Pre-game – review with your partner the coverage’s, signals, mechanics, ground rules, etc.

Post-game – Make time to go over events and situations with your partners, especially what you could have done better.

Potential Problems – before they become an annoyance handle them efficiently, using preventive umpiring.

Rules – know the rules for the league you are working for that day and apply them correctly, so that there is a level playing field for all. “KNOW THE RULES”

Signals – should be clear and precise.

Sociability – is cordial to all but not over-friendly to offend opposing teams.

Support – helps partner by keeping all others away from him during arguments.

Appeals – Allow any and all team appeals. Go to your partner for an appeal. If necessary meet with your partner to discuss. Just you and your partner..NO PLAYER or MANAGERS should be part of your conference. Make the call after an appeal that both umpires either agree or if necessary after discussion, change the call.

The umpires are required to email the both Commissioner at justforkickssoftball@verizon.net and Anthony Martinez at Heftysmurf4343@aol.com the results of the game (s) they just completed. Game(s) results are expected within 1 hour of game completion. The umpires are to list the date, field and time( s) of the games , the team names, scores and the pitchers name, first initial and the correct spelling of the pitchers last name.

All umpire assignments will be made by the league assignor. The league assignor will make all the umpire assignments throughout the season once he has the schedule. The commissioner is not to be called for assignments.

The person in charge of the umpires is Michael Peraino who can be reached by calling or texting him at 917-763-2280. The league assignor is Ernie Riggio. All calls by umpires looking to officiate in the JFK Softball League are to call Michael Peraino first. The  league assignor Ernie Riggio will then be contacted by the commish.

~The Commish