How to Talk to an Umpire

Coaching a sports team can be an adrenaline-pumping activity. You want your team to perform well, and an umpire's fair and accurate calls are important. If the umpire makes a questionable call, discussing it with him is a necessity. There's a right way of doing so, however, and considering that veering from a polite, fact-filled discourse is likely to get you thrown out of the game, it's best to get your say without jeopardizing your presence on the field.

Instructions

    • 1

      Approach the umpire calmly and ask for a conversation. The umpire's time is limited during a game. Any conversation you have with him will delay the game, so expect to have only a short conversation.

    • 2

      Discuss the matter politely with the umpire. Yelling gets you nowhere and only serves to place the umpire in the position of defending or justifying the call. Ask for the reasons behind the call, then present your argument quickly and lay out the facts as you see them as clearly as possible. If discussing a specific rule, have the rulebook available if possible, or know where the rule explanation may be found for reference.

    • 3

      Ask the umpire to verify a ruling with they other umpires working the game if possible. They may not have been in a position to see the contested point to make a decision however. Understand, too, there are no requirements for the umpire to seek advice or change his call.

    • 4

      Wait for the umpire to consider your argument and make a decision on whether to stand by the call or reverse his decision. Accept the decision or file a protest later with the league if you continue to feel that the call was in error. Do not continue to discuss the issue with the umpire.

    • 5

      Alert the umpire of your plan to protest the game officially with the league if you feel he made the wrong call and he refuses to correct the mistake.