Most people think officiating is about balls, strikes, and angry coaches. They’re dead wrong. Umpiring for personal growth is about so much more.
What they don’t see—what I’ve lived—is how umpiring has sharpened my instincts, calmed my nerves, and shaped the way I lead my business, raise my family, and walk with God. Truly, umpiring for personal growth has impacted all aspects of my life.
Officiating isn’t just something I do. It’s part of who I’ve become, a journey in umpiring for personal growth and self-discovery.
When the Plate Becomes a Pulpit
I took up umpiring again after a 12-year break—one of the best decisions I’ve made since retiring from the Army. It wasn’t just about getting back into the game I love; it was about reclaiming something inside me.
Officiating forces you into pressure-packed moments. That moment when a 15-year-old pitcher is crying because he just got shelled—and a dad’s pacing behind the backstop with a clenched jaw. That’s where poise, empathy, and leadership matter most, and umpiring for personal growth is truly tested.
I realized that every inning behind the plate is like a microcosm of life:
- Conflict resolution.
- Clear communication under pressure.
- Holding your ground without losing your cool.
Sound familiar? That’s every client meeting. Every father-son talk. Every Toastmasters contest. Every late-night heart-to-heart with a veteran I’m mentoring.
What Type of Official Am I? What Type of Man?
According to the article from Referee Magazine, officials generally fall into one of three buckets: autocratic, democratic, or laissez-faire.
I used to lean autocratic. Army training. Black-and-white rules. No gray. That style works… until it doesn’t.
Over time, I’ve become more democratic in my officiating and my leadership—setting expectations early, treating people like adults, and communicating with clarity and purpose. But make no mistake, I’ll still draw the line when it’s crossed. That’s the balance I strive for: firm, but fair.
That shift didn’t just help me manage games better—it helped me manage people, teams, and conflict better everywhere. This experience truly embodies umpiring for personal growth.
Here’s How Umpiring Leaked Into Every Corner of My Life
- Business:
I lead a veteran-focused insurance team. My job is explaining high-stakes decisions to folks who are skeptical, tired, and trying to protect their families. Just like in umpiring, I have to command respect without being a tyrant. Communicate clearly. Make the call—and stand by it. - Fatherhood:
With six kids, emotions run high. Just like players and coaches, they want to feel heard, even if they don’t like the call. Officiating taught me how to de-escalate, how to listen without folding, and how to model calm leadership under fire. - Faith & Legacy:
Every game reminds me that influence is earned one decision at a time. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being consistent. I officiate with integrity because I want to live with integrity. And my kids are watching. So is my team. So is my audience. - Resilience:
When things go sideways—on the field or in life—I don’t melt. I manage. I’ve learned to breathe, assess, and move forward. That’s a skill honed behind the plate and carried into every Zoom call, every coaching session, every hospital visit, and every sleepless night as a father and veteran advocate.
Your Style Is Your Signature
The article made one thing clear: there is no perfect officiating style. But there is a right one for the man you want to become.
Officiating didn’t just give me something to do. It gave me a framework for how to think, how to lead, and how to grow. Indeed, umpiring for personal growth is an ongoing journey.
You don’t show up at the field to get it all right. You show up to get better. Every game is a test—and I don’t just mean the National Federation of State High School Associations kind.
Whether I’m leading a family, a team, or a business—I’m officiating with my life. And I’ve chosen to do it with clarity, courage, and conviction.
Let’s Build Our Legacy
If you’re reading this and you’re a fellow official, a father, a business owner, or just a man trying to live with purpose—take a step back.
Ask yourself:
- What’s your leadership style under pressure?
- Are you reacting… or facilitating?
- Are you growing… or just surviving?
If officiating has shaped you too, I’d love to hear your story. Drop a comment below, share this with a brother who needs to read it, or subscribe for more stories where resilience meets real life.
Let’s keep the conversation alive—on and off the field.