Umpiring radios How to get the best out of them – we hope! Some thoughts and experiences which may help

What they are Fun An aid to help you and your colleague umpire better An aid to help you and your colleague work better as a team An additional tool to add to your existing skills Whistle Body language Verbal communication Cards

What they are not A replacement for things you do now! This is really important and one of the main stumbling blocks.

My first impressions Uncomfortable, noisy, distracting and a little ostentatious! My whistle tone sounded odd I didn’t want to communicate in my normal way with the players as I felt I would deafen my colleague Two games later: – I love my radio!!!! Its enjoyable, fun and looks professional.

Don’t forget “Arena umpiring”

Its an addition not a replacement All the good things you have learnt must not be forgotten Show the crowd you support your colleague – thumbs up. Communicate with the players Still make clear and positive signals – everybody needs to see them Still come together to discuss major game changing decisions Do give the 2 minute signal – players and coaches need it.

Discuss with your colleague how to use best In the pre-match chat just work out how you are going to use the radios and agree on what you do and don’t want to hear. Use the radio in line with your personality but do take account of what your colleague wants.

What is good and what is bad / unhelpful Good use Be encouraging Give praise Be concise Support & consult re decisions Agree on need to tighten up game Unhelpful use Critical comments Meaningless sighing! Ambiguous comments Agree with a player that a decision was wrong

Summary The radio is there to help you and your colleague Use it as an additional aid not the “b all and end all”! Give yourself time to get familiar with it Don’t forget that communication to players, coaches and the crowd is still as important as it ever was.