Tip For Your Indicator
One of the first rules of umpiring is to not keep looking at your indicator when you are umping. At +POS they sell a blind umpire indicator, but it cost $12. So here is some tips for using your indicator with out having to look at it.
NOTE: If you use a indicator that you can take apart it may be easier to work with.
Use a cheap indicator the first time you try this. You don't want to mess up a really good one.
A really good indicator to use is the +POS that eliminates the 3rd strike, out and the 4th ball.
1. Carve a small notch in the middle of the wheel when it is set to zero. This will allow you to reset the indicator to zero with out looking at it.
2. Take a piece of sand paper and make the 2nd strike, 3rd ball and 2nd out side of the indicator smooth. This will let you know when you need to get ready to ring someone up or send them down to first.
3. Put a bright piece of tape or something bright on the indicator so if you ever drop it in the grass you can find it easier.
4. You can also attach a small clock to it so you know what time it is, if you umpire games that have a time limit.
I have done the first 2 to one of my indicator and have found that it helps me to not look at it. The last 2 tips I read on another site and just thought i would put them for people to try.
If anybody has any more ideas for improving your indicators. Send them to me here.
Tip For Indicators