Open-Mic: What Most Sports Fans Are Afraid of in Umpires and Referees

Often, I would work a double header and make more in a day than I would in a week driving pizzas, and considerably more than my friends would by flipping burgers full time.

I did go to umpire school a couple of times, but those are other stories for other articles. I never made the pros.

What I did learn from the experience, though, was how to deal with people. I learned to be on time. I learned how to concentrate.

I also learned the rules.

Learning the rules was amazing in itself. I always thought I knew them. I then found out that most people always thought they knew them and they really don't, especially the announcers.

Perhaps the worst offenders are those who were managers and Hall of Fame players. (This is true in every sport.)

If you want to learn about the rules, don't pay attention to the announcers. Pick up a rule book. In fact, the announcers and managers should be required to go to umpire school. They'd learn about the game that they think they know.

I'd also imagine that they'd lay off the folks who get it right about 99.9 percent more than they get it wrong. I doubt that will ever happen. For some reason, people are afraid to get involved. They think some scary monster is going to get them. They are afraid to do what they criticize so much of—the officials.

In future columns, I'll see what I can pen together on some of the other sports I've worked, and perhaps my experiences at umpire school. Maybe even a few stories about some of the players I've called games for who played in the big leagues. I'll know by your comments and suggestions if I should.

The one thing I would like you to do is share this with a high school or college student. All sports need more young officials and not only will the young up-and-comers earn some good money over the summer and while back at school next year, they'll learn invaluable skills that they'll use for the rest of their life.

There is nothing to fear.

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