The ultimate worst case scenario for an umpire is a physical altercation with a spectator. Such events typically require a "build-up" period, in which the two parties engage in a series of heated exchanges that result in a physical encounter. 

 

Although such occurrences are rare, they can and will happen to umpires. I've seen it happen twice with my own eyes!

It is naive for an umpire to think that all altercations are solely the result of a spectator's contempt. Umpires can bring conflict on themselves quite easily, and this article is intended to help them avoid such situations at all costs.

Just sign-in now to learn how those situations can be avoided.

In the first of a two-part series, Adam Powell details some of the signs that will help an umpire identify fans who may be out of control.

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Some do it accidentally while others have turned it into something of an art form.

It takes guts for an umpire to make a controversial call, and few are more likely to create a "to-do" than calling a runner safe because a "stepper" pulled his foot.

If you know what to look for and are prepared to handle the pressure, those calls can come natural to you. Sign in to learn how!

The base umpire has all the power in this region, and positioning and proper technique are paramount to working it to success.

Right fielders in the youth leagues are often inexperienced and will at times make the easy appear difficult. When you're prepared for such madness, it makes it that much easier to rule on plays in "No Man's Land!"

Sign-in to read positioning and mechanics for right-field umpiring.

In order to arbitrate the region effectively, an umpire will want to understand how to watch a ball leave the bat. If you can do that (and avoid the sun at the same time!), there should never be a call "out there" that you won't be prepared to handle.