How to Treat an Umpire

Umpires are some of the most mistreated individuals in all of baseball. They are constantly harassed and insulted by hot-tempered coaches, viewers, and even parents when things don’t go their way. Not only is it wrong to treat an umpire this way, but it certainly doesn’t set a good example for the kids.

Kids can get an especially wrong message when the very people they look up to most- like their parents and coaches- are the ones being rude and confrontational toward umpires. This type of behavior sends kids the message that it’s okay to be rude, to lose your temper, and to not show good sportsmanship.   

Treatment of umpires has gotten so bad in recent years that a lot of leagues have started abiding by a “zero tolerance” policy for rudeness to umpires. If a parent treats an umpire unkindly, that parent and his or her child will be required to leave the game. If your league doesn’t already have this policy instituted, it may be something to think about, especially if you’ve had a problem with umpire treatment in the past.

Hopefully, your child’s coach sets a good example and treats umpires with respect. If not, it may be time to think about finding another team environment for your child. It’s important for coaches not just to be respectful of umpires but to explain their importance and value to young players and to demand that the players treat the umpire accordingly.

Keep in mind that this attitude of respect should extend to youth umpires as well. These umpires are often volunteers, giving of their time to learn more about the sport and maybe even to check the job out as a potential career one day. As such, no one should discourage a young empire or treat him poorly, and the same goes for other volunteer umpires, such as parents or senior citizens.

In fact, parents, coaches, and players are really expected to go the extra mile. Beyond just respecting their umpires, they should show kindness toward them. Little things, like providing a snack or a bottled water to the umpire goes a long way. And remember parents and coaches, even if you keep your temper at the game, don’t badmouth the umpire afterwards; this sends the wrong message to kids too, and the thing you most want your kids to learn is respect for authority!