At the 2018 all day softball meeting, Francis Howell Head Coach Jenn Beckmann was
asked what she wanted to see in a high school umpire. Her response was an umpire
that respected the game.

Being a “confused” umpire myself, I love umpiring baseball. Then when high school
softball moved to the fall, we were able to just keep on working. But the game of soft-
ball started to change, and is developing its own identity. We aren’t seeing as many

coaches coaching both sports. Softball is a different game than baseball. I would en-
courage those umpires who want to work the district, sectional, and state tourna-
ments to respect the game of softball. Learn and use the proper softball mechanics
and understand the rule differences. One of the biggest complaints I hear is that “that
baseball umpire didn’t…..”

Softball can be a fun and faster paced game. Situations can happen on the smaller
diamond and that is in part why the mechanics are different. More to come, but I
know a good many of you are gearing up for high school baseball.
Hope this finds everyone well. Stay healthy, stay sharp, and good luck. See everyone
soon!