1. Are You Managing the Game or is the Game Managing You?
David Wiley
SEC and Big XII Baseball Umpire

2. Who is This Guy and How Long is He Going to Talk?

3. What We Care About What we are wearing? How long will it take?
How much are we making?
Is a breakfast coupon included?

4. Game Management: Before the Contest

5. Before the Contest Double-checking game schedule Partner contact
Early arrival (Don’t be “that” person)
Solid pre-game
No cell phones!!!
Remember: Every “mistake” is now recorded and posted electronically

6. Game Management: During the Contest

7. During the Contest Walk with a purpose
Approachable, but not too friendly
Deescalate arguments/conflict
Manage with body language
Manage with hustle
Manage with appropriate/professional language (i.e. NO profanity)
Use game savvy to establish command of the game
Leave ASAP without comment or contact with anyone

8. Appearances are Everything!!

13. Game Management: After the Contest

14. After the Contest Good post-game to improve
Ask for critical feedback (lose your ego)
Listen more/talk less
One-hour limit to discuss game
Stay off social media
Stay off your cell phone
Stay out of the bar

15. Life Management

17. Don’t Overestimate Our Importance
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY
Don’t Overestimate Our Importance

19. Worry About Your “Circle of Dirt”

20. Be a Good Partner/Locker Room Guy
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Be a Good Partner/Locker Room Guy

21. Be Happy for Others’ Accomplishments

22. Make Lifelong Friends Through this “Hobby”

23. Don’t Miss Important Life Events to Officiate

24. Don’t Lose Your Job Over Officiating!!
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
Don’t Lose Your Job Over Officiating!!

26. Officiating Should be an Important Part of Your Life, but It Shouldn’t be Your Entire Life

27. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC
Thank You for Your Attention and I Hope You Find Today a Rewarding Experience