Role of the Umpire

Nearly everyone has an opinion of what an umpire is. Definitions range from being a "necessary evil" to "an integral part of the game".

Perhaps it would be true to say the answer is probably somewhere in between, but really umpires are closer to being an integral part of the game than not.

The role of the umpire will vary considerably depending on the level at which he or she is officiating.

However generally speaking, most umpires would have three common aims in relation to their participant players:

• To ensure a safe environment for the game

• To encourage the involvement of all players

• To make the sport enjoyable

The umpire at under-age levels aims to improve the quality of the baseball experience for each participant. He or she should be able to impartially make sound and reasonable decisions that display fairness.

An umpire has a duty of care to ensure all participants are not at risk of a foreseeable danger.

Some examples where an umpire should act to ensure the safety of all participants are:

• Removing a participant who persistently breaches the rules or uses excessive violence

• Enforcing the safety rules designed to prevent injuries.

• Stopping the game in adverse and unsafe weather conditions.

• Stopping the game where the safety of participants is threatened by another participant or spectator.

• Ensuring only authorised equipment is used.

• Enforcing safety guidelines including blood and infectious diseases policies.

The younger the participants, the greater is the responsibility for safety that is placed on the Umpire.

Umpire duties include:

• Enforce the Rules.

• Warn participants.

• Anticipate reasonably foreseeable dangers.

• Control and properly supervise the game.