Member Evaluation Form

MBUA Evaluation Form

Version: 2.1f; 7/26/07

Handling On-Field Critiques

Reprinted from NASO LockerRoom, Vol 2, Nbr 11; November 19, 2001

Anytime you offer advice to a fellow official, you can expect a wide range of reactions. Sometimes those reactions are emotional – even irrational. Arguably, there is not a place where more reactionary feelings are emoted than on the field or court. Because of the intensity of the game, an official’s personal pride and the stress associated with officiating, properly critiquing fellow officials on the field or court is a delicate practice.

Pick an appropriate time to offer advice. First, you’ve got to make a decision: Can your advice/comment wait? Not every situation needs to be addressed quickly. Store the information in the back of your mind and talk about it at halftime, after the game, or even after the season. If it has to be addressed during the game, pick a lull time, like during a timeout or player injury. When in doubt, save it for later.

Choose words carefully. Confrontational words bring confrontation. If you think your partner missed a play or rule, don’t chime in with, "You kicked that one!" The recipient will undoubtedly react negatively. Rather, gently say, "Remember that play and lets talk about it later." That’s a much better approach because it doesn’t bring attention to the error and doesn’t put your partner on the defensive. [It is strongly urged that you not meet with your partner between innings right after a controversial call has been made. Wait at least 2 half innings before meeting or, better yet, after the game.]

Remember perceptions. That’s especially important when dealing with a younger or newer official. Even during lulls, people are watching you. If you stand in front of your partner, arms folded or pointing at him with a strong stance, it looks like you’re lecturing or talking down to your partner. He will feel that and others will pick up on it. Even if you’re in your 28th year of officiating and your partner is in his 28th minute, think about people’s perceptions. Your body language while talking to your partner will have great impact on whether or not your partner’s calls are accepted by players, coaches and fans.

Don’t apologize for him. There’s nothing more belittling than a veteran who talks to coaches about his partner like he’s fresh out of kindergarten. "Sorry about that, coach. He’s a new guy who’s just learning." That equates to nails on a chalkboard for that new official. Confidence is enough of a problem for most new officials; the veteran’s embarrassing words don’t help. Even if the rookie messed up, few situations warrant an apology. Don’t make yourself look better at the expense of your young partner. Remember you were there once too.

Let some mistakes occur. Few situations need fixing on the spot. If you know your partner is making a rules mistake, in most cases let it happen, then talk about it later. The "get the play right" mentality is okay, but don’t compromise the new official’s role on the field or court. If it has major impact on the game and is in a crucial situation, you may have to step in. Just remember, making mistakes is part of the learning process. A specific mistake made and later discussed will not likely happen again.

MBUA utilizes the Member Evaluation Form to assist the each member in improving their skills and gently pointing out areas that need emphasis to become a better umpire. Constructive critiques with one or two areas of improvement are more meaningful than 'bashing' the member or implying they are ready for the 7th game of the World Series.

Evaluator's Information

Your Name:

Your Position:

	Evaluator's Information
Your Name:
Your Position:

Evaluatee's Information

Their Name:

Their Position:

	Evaluatee's Information
Their Name:
Their Position:

Game Information

Date(mm/dd/yy):

School/Field:

Home Team:

Visiting Team:

League:

	Game Information
Date(mm/dd/yy):
School/Field:
Home Team:
Visiting Team:
League:

Evaluation Area Observation

Promptness:

Uniform:

Equipment:

Personal Demenor:

Interaction w/ Partner:

Interaction w/ Teams:

Rules Knowledge:

Positioning Plate/Field:

Hustle:

Signals:

Voice:

Timing:

Evaluation Area	Observation
Promptness:
Uniform:
Equipment:
Personal Demenor:
Interaction w/ Partner:
Interaction w/ Teams:
Rules Knowledge:
Positioning Plate/Field:
Hustle:
Signals:
Voice:
Timing:

Plate Evaluation Only Observation

Correct Head Height:

Correct Slot/Scissor/Box Position:

Head Remains Still During Pitch:

Moves From Behind Plate on Plays:

Plate Evaluation Only	Observation
Correct Head Height:
Correct Slot/Scissor/Box Position:
Head Remains Still During Pitch:
Moves From Behind Plate on Plays:

Overall Observation

Summary/Conclusion:

Overall	Observation
Summary/Conclusion:

General Remarks/Comments

Last Updated: Thursday, July 26, 2007 11:31 AM