Welcome to FOCUS THE MENTAL ASPECT OF OUR GAME Getting Back In The Game

FOCUS Topics For This Presentation What is focus and why is it important for umpiring How does one become focused before the game? Identifying Enemies of and focus breakers How to regain one’s focus or your partner (s) focus once it is lost.

FOCUS Getting Back In The Game What Is Focus? Focus is concentration on what you are doing Knowing what is going on around you using your sight and sounds and your game elements Mentally blocking out distractions not related to the game Focus is winning the mental part of the game by using your sight and sound , managing your emotions

FOCUS What Is Focus? Why is Focus important for umpires? Focusing builds our credibility with the teams and players Importance of perception and body language Being where you need to be when you need to be there Mentally managing the moment of the game

FOCUS Getting Back In The Game Why is Focus important? When does game focus begin and end? Helps build your game management skills Because the game, all games deserve your attention (Focus) To be able to do your job properly

FOCUS Getting Back In The Game How do you become focused before the game? Learn how to leave distractions away from the game Recognize the level of play and prepare accordingly Start thinking of the game before arriving at park

FOCUS Getting Back In The Game How do you become focused before the game? Always give yourself plenty of time Having a good pregame with your crew Being in good physical and mental shape

FOCUS How to gain Focus before the game Learn to be where you are suppose to be when you are suppose to be there Clear Attitude Focus on mechanics you want to work on during the game Work on people skills

FOCUS Getting Back In The Game Identifying Focus ENEMIES/BREAKERS Weather Injuries Protests Personal situations

FOCUS Getting Back In The Game Identifying Focus ENEMIES/BREAKERS Late arrivals Poor mechanics Fatigue Previous game problems

FOCUS Techniques to regain Focus during the game Learn to relax Trust your mechanics Recognizing a mistake Recognize when you or your partners are starting to lose focus Every game is different , prepare that way compensate and adjust

FOCUS Getting Back In The Game How to help your partner regain their lost Focus Find a time to talk to them Help them feel comfortable Be positive and honest at the same time

FOCUS Getting Back In The Game Learn to relax but not lose focus on the game. Trust your training Trust your partner(s) Have confidence in yourself Don’t allow your focus to be lost You are not alone Even the best umpires lose focus from time to time

FOCUS Remember when Every veteran umpire was new at one time We all have had help to get where we are today Look forward to working with a new umpire and help them learn from our experience Remember , we are all in this together Our mental game is as important as our mechanical game

Interactive audience Questions and thoughts FOCUS Interactive audience Questions and thoughts

FOCUS Why is it so important for the game? Because the game, players, coaches and fans deserve it We are ASA Umpires The Best There Is

Focus Getting back in the game Thank you for your focus getting us back in the game