he softball section of Officiating.com has recently run some good articles about the qualities of good umpires. I couldn’t agree more with the opinions expressed. But I think we often take for granted more than talent, hard work on the field, and a great appearance are need to be a good umpire. Here’s a start to my list of traits we all need if we're to be the best we can be.

Availability

You can possess all the traits and talents of a good umpire, and no one will ever know about you if you don’t "call ball." As an umpire, you have to be willing to work enough games to mature, succeed, and be noticed. (Of course, there are times when being noticed isn’t such a good thing; just ask our Editor-in-Chief.) If you’re available to umpire, that means you have to give up some other activities. That can be difficult; but if you manage your time correctly, you’ll still have enough time to do the other things you like — and need — to do.

Continued...