So I was "up to the challenge" but "had to do better." Why did I think that?

Well, during my first few games of that first varsity season, I quickly realized that the game was now being played above the ring. It was a new perspective from officiating junior high and junior varsity. Let's take a look at two rules involving play above the ring.

So far, I looked at a rule from all levels and one from high school. Inside, I'll begin with an NCAA toughie and finish my peroration against trying to umpire without memorizing the rules.

All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players:
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts....

When the whistle sounds, the scene shifts suddenly; the spotlight, however briefly, is ours. How will you tread the boards? An expectant audience eagerly awaits the entrance of a transitional, yet pivotal character to narrate the drama unfolding before their eyes.

How you embark upon and exit the spotlight forms a powerful and permanent impression in your audience's mind.

But how you play your part while occupying center stage will enhance or diminish the entire play. If you prosecute your role with skill, you set the stage for the next act; and the anticipation mounts. If you rush and slur your lines, you leave your audience confused, with unresolved questions. You may even need to return for a second, embarrassing take.

It's live theater and you are the star.

Easy things are hard, and harder things are even harder than I expected.

The most simple of statements, even if easily proven true, can no longer be just "accepted," particularly if you are dealing with the internet.

So come inside and catch up on who's upsetting the masses in internet action AND get an update on the lifestyle change of this elder umpire.

In this second part, we show how to put your mental preparation to use in actually managing a game. In Part III, we'll recap the previous points and provide an overall game plan.

You know the drill. Click the title....