Post by newump on Jul 20, 2011 21:35:53 GMT -8
I just want to plead for a little civility toward umpires. This message does not go out to everyone, but there are many people in this league that are putting the game and game situations before the real purpose of the league: an extension of fellowship and an outreach ministry.
As a volunteer umpire, I am at the games because I love to play and be involved in softball. My issue is all the arguing about close calls and strikes. When I umpire a game, I make sure that pitches that are close are called correctly. This IS slow-pitch and if the ball is close to the mat (any part of the ball being over the mat) I am going to call it a strike. If it is close, SWING!
Plays that are close at the bases, I call like I see it. I run toward the base where the play is going and get as close as possible to make the right call. I am sure that I am not correct 100% of the time, but I guarantee I am pretty close.
I just wish teams and players would realize that this league is NOT about winning and it IS about glorifying God. Our actions and words toward each other AND the umpires reflect on ourselves as individuals and the church we are representing. I sincerely appreciate the “thanks for umping” after the games. I just wish people would be more positive toward the umpires during the game. We are not there to be game changers; we are there to assist the teams playing by following our guidelines.
So at your next game, remember that we are there as volunteers and that this game is about glorifying God. Let’s all treat each other, other teams, players AND umpires with respect.
As a volunteer umpire, I am at the games because I love to play and be involved in softball. My issue is all the arguing about close calls and strikes. When I umpire a game, I make sure that pitches that are close are called correctly. This IS slow-pitch and if the ball is close to the mat (any part of the ball being over the mat) I am going to call it a strike. If it is close, SWING!
Plays that are close at the bases, I call like I see it. I run toward the base where the play is going and get as close as possible to make the right call. I am sure that I am not correct 100% of the time, but I guarantee I am pretty close.
I just wish teams and players would realize that this league is NOT about winning and it IS about glorifying God. Our actions and words toward each other AND the umpires reflect on ourselves as individuals and the church we are representing. I sincerely appreciate the “thanks for umping” after the games. I just wish people would be more positive toward the umpires during the game. We are not there to be game changers; we are there to assist the teams playing by following our guidelines.
So at your next game, remember that we are there as volunteers and that this game is about glorifying God. Let’s all treat each other, other teams, players AND umpires with respect.
