Hoops

BASA umpiring situation

Thought I'd put my two bobs worth in on this one, lol........To err is human and as an umpire, yes we make mistakes BUT there is a big difference between a bit of banter and abuse. I think most of us get white line fever with any sport. The spectators need to understand that the umpire sees a whole different ballgame from where they are on the court. With the view from where the spectators sit, of course they are going to see things differently.......it is a different perspective. To all of those who don't umpire and profess to know the rules better (than those of us who do get out there and umpire so your kids can play), please feel free to take a course and get your accreditation, it might give you a whole new outlook on what an umpire has to go through each game.

Graeme LeBroy - you pose a very good point where you highlight communication as a key point. I have been a ref for close on a decade, local competition and BASA, and the umpires that have received the least abuse have been those that are very good communicators. Even if their technical knowledge isn't as good as another refs, an unmpire who can converse or explain situations/calls to a player/coach will be much better respected and receive less abuse. Perhaps BASA could intigate some communication programs for umpires, and help them develop their skills in that disciple.