Both Sides of the Mask
By Both Sides of the Mask
Both Sides of the MaskApr 24, 2021
S3E1 - A Guest and a Struggle
Look who is back?! Here we are trying to get back in the groove of the season and a full episode. Liz and Tony go over getting back into the podcast groove, why they were away and also highlight the fear we all have. What happens when we struggle on the field. There are things we can try to do with ourselves, but one of the biggest helps is the crew that we have on the field with us. When does the connection and how does the communication start?
Power Chat 43 - New Cases Overview
Quick Overview of the new cases in the case book
Power Chat 42 - Rule 12
Wrapping up the rule series with Rule 12
Power Chat 41 - Rule 11
We are on the home stretch! Rule 11 Batter.
Power Chat 40 - Rule 10
Power Chat 39 - Rule 9
Getting into the meat of our NCAA Rule Book. This weeks rule contains what has become the most reworded rule in our book...Obstruction.
Power Chat 38 - Rule 8
Player and Substitutes is the subject for rule 8, plus a little line up card management.
Power Chat 37 - Rule 7
To the half way point! Rule 7
**NEW UNIFORMS GIVEAWAY**
Give Dora a call there and she is happy to answer all your questions! She has also offered up to the listeners 2 shirts for us to give away!! So be on the look out of what you need to do for that!
Power Chat 36 - Rule 6
Two sessions of recording to make sure Tony got it right! Rule 6 being being titled The Game...we better get this one right.
Power Chat 35 - Rule 5
Power Chat 34 - Rule 4
Power Chat 33 - NCAA Softball Rules 1 to 3
Tony starts a new series on the NCAA Softball Rules. The hope is that we all get in the book and take a vested interest in them. Grab your rule book and lets get started!
Power Chat 32 - Hey Batter Batter
Power Chat 31 - Manual and Rosin
Tony Power Chat
Power Chat 30 - Can't Reach the Base
Tony talks about the new collision rule.
Power Chat 29 - Illegally Batted Ball
Tony goes over the new EFFECT for an illegally batted ball. What it means and what has changed. Also, investing in yourself and setting yourself up for success.
Power Chat 28 - Conferences
The Unapproachables
Power Chat 27 - Equality = Quality
This week Tony and Liz went into discussions with the new headline for the NCAA-approved WCWS expansion. Liz dove into this topic a little more and voiced her opinion on how this will help the divide between sports. The bat and ball sport has so many similarities, but yet the expectations are vividly different. Liz expresses how this change will separate the inequalities we have been seeing a lot more of with female vs male sports.
Let's continue to embrace one another and bring out the best in each sport. Female sports deserve what they have been investing in. Let's embellish their dedication, along with their long, deserved accomplishments. Be kind, be open-minded, be excellent!
Toto, it's no longer 1999
Liz and Tony are celebrating like it's 1999! Well, at least trying to make the best of it. The hot topic of the week started with a bang. Like, literally. So many emotions, outbursts, opinions, and rebuttals. No, toilet paper wasn't sold out of stores after this pandemic-like announcement was made by the Arbiter Staff.
It was hard to keep up with all madness. Amazing how many people go overboard over a change. What made it easy to stay on task, was the discussion of NCAA softball is finally ending our 23-year drought of the same umpire uniforms and getting a pretty fine uplift. Just an FYI...the uniforms are not sold online or in any of the stores yet. So, we all have time to save up for the newest addition to our wardrobe closest! Be Kind. Be Patient. Be Excellent everyone!
Power Chat: We Broke The Internet
Sneak peek before Tony and Liz launch their full episode this week...
The last day of August had all umpires across the nation with mixed emotions. Finally New uniforms for the 2022 NCAA season. Here, Liz discusses her thoughts on the long-awaited change. Many umpires will agree the uniforms needed an uplift. But for some umpires, they don't like to change.
Well, like many other things in life, things need to change to keep up with the evolution. You're either investing in yourself or you're falling behind. Which one are you? It's about time softball umpires are appreciated.
Power Chat 25 - VR
Hot Topics: Rules and Camps
Tony and Liz took a couple of weeks off and came back motivated with a new episode to talk about how we both can enjoy both sides of the mask by taking the time away from our busy lifestyles. Tony and his family enjoyed their time visiting the greatest place in the world, by visiting the Big Mouse! Liz and her entire family experienced the Gulf Shores and the beauty mother nature brings us.
One of the few topics we got into that is hot off the presses is the 2022-2023 NCAA Rule changes. A few rules were reworded for better clarification and others were adjusted to help better manage the game.
Also, we discussed upcoming camps. Many of our listeners have been requesting topics such as this to help others prepare and succeed. Tony and Liz both have experience as fellow umpires going through camps to reach the next level and be better. We provided some feedback on how we handle ourselves as clinicians at the softball umpire camps.
It's back-to-school sessions, or in our case, back to camps sessions. Follow our page and Facebook page to find all the latest softball umpiring camps near you. Bothsidesofthemask.com and @bothsidesofthemask
Chatting with Power in a Power Chat
Rule changes are coming...Tony talks about a couple things.
Time to continue the 2021 Season
Liz and Tony talk about Liz's WCWS experience, plus a few tangents left and right
Guess who's back? Power Chat?
Who didn't have the Eminem Song in their heads after reading the title to this power chat? I know I did. All silliness aside, we are finally back at it with our recordings. This summer has been busy for Tony and me with work, sessions, horse rodeos, and softball tournaments.
The next full episode Tony and I will publish will talk more about my WS experience and the behind-the-scenes. Today I wanted to touch base with what goals do you have, how are you staying focused, and some things I witnessed this summer with my daughters' tournaments. Plus, I wanted to get you all back to self-motivate yourself to be better.
Be ready! We're about to be on a roll again. Guess Who's Back! Power Chat!
Be Excellent!
UCLA, Tent City, and THE Call
The Regional Experience
This was quite an experience for many. Regional weekend fell the same weekend for DIII-DI NCAA Softball this season and things were a bit nuts. Our goal has always been to bring all aspects of game closer together, but this post season there was negatives that drove that gap apart instead of together. Listen as we dive into that and more!
Back from the Sandbox - Liz Edition
It has been a minute since we have had a full episode! There are a lot of things to talk about and expound upon. So, we will start here and then build as we go!
Do you have a question? Contact us on our website Both Sides of the Mask!
Power Chat 22 - Where have you been?!
Power Chat 21: Field Aware and Game Prepared
Many things go through our minds as we are trying to prepare for all our assignments. We have some key elements that we need to be mindful of as we stay focused. We have to be studying film, see what tendencies the team has, distance to the assignment, who your partners are, and how you communicate with your future partners. Every little detail matters as we are preparing for our games. Not to mention, making sure our personal lives are organized before we drive off.
We need to continue to be honest with one another on the field. Have a voice of reason. Meaning, have an opinion when things are brought to our attention. Communicate in the pre-games, during the games, and after the games with a post-game meeting. Always have your language ready when approached by a coach or gathering together when the crew needs to rule on a play. Lastly, when you are walking into the parking lot, the locker room, walking the field, and even on the field, set the tone. The tone starts when you arrive. The games or series need to start right from the beginning to the end.
Be encouraging, be thoughtful, be ready, and most importantly...Be Excellent.
Power Chat 20: Grind of the season
Things are heating up. Teams are fighting for conference rankings, possibly being selected for regional host locations, trying to win their conference, or coaches trying to hang on to their jobs.
We have umpires we are working with that we may not be familiar with. We have to be prepared for every little thing that may come our way on the field. Being a leader isn't an automatic title because it says Crew Chief before it. Being a leader is who we are on the field. Are you accountable? Are you receptive? Are you supportive? Can you handle direct or difficult situations? This is what it's all about. Conflict and solutions.
They pay us well to make hard, tough calls on the field. Are we setting great examples of composure? Take your time, allow the plays to develop, don't try to insert yourself in the plays. It's all part of the gig.
Be excellent. Act like you have been here before. Have a great day!
Power Chat 19: A Homerun is a Dead Ball
Wow! Here we are with more rule talk and how to learn them and apply them. This one may surprise you, but conversations are being had on rules every day.
Be excellent. Be kind. Act like you have been there before.
Power Chat 18: Halfway There!
We are halfway through the 2021 season! Can you believe it? The season has been an emotional roller coaster. We are preparing every week for things that we may or may not be able to control. We can handle the delays of weather conditions, daylight, travel restrictions, extra innings, or cancellations. Who would have thought now we would have to be in a mindset for postponements due to this crazy virus?
It's been a journey, to say the least. But, we're all in this together. Continue to educate, encourage, and be the example.
Be excellent. Stay healthy. Act like you have been here before. Enjoy the journey!
Power Chat 17 - The Next Steps of the First Steps
Power Chat 16: Making Adjustments
This season has brought in so many curveballs that when that change up comes in, are you ready for it? Many people don't realize how much change we have to adapt to just for one weekend or even a single game. Crew members may get switched to a different venue, game times can change, weather plays a role from time to time. Some of us are missing family events. It's a grind for us to stay focused on our tasks. How do you prepare for this?
We are given a manual, but sometimes that guidance gets thrown out the window and we just have to go out there and umpire. Embrace your journey, encourage one another, learn from others, and be a great example on and off the diamond. You never know who's watching.
Be excellent. Be kind. Act like you have been there before.
Power Chat 15 - Umpiring When the Wheels Come Off
On the drive home...I thought I would try and get a Power Chat in. So don't mind the road noise!
-Tony
Both Sides of the Mask wanted to create more content that can be available better than ever. Maybe more episodes? Maybe more interaction? Maybe more interviews? What could we do to fit all our ideas and juggle our personal lives? With family, work, training, and studying for the upcoming season, how do we fit it in? So we created a new way to add more to our listeners. You will be able to get more episodes loaded up weekly. We will publish full episodes, interviews, and short bytes which we will call Power Chat. Tony or Liz will record a “Power Chat” on our own that will be a bonus episode on topics that we are passionate about or a topic that comes to mind. You will hear more about WIN Reality, conversations we’ve had with past guests, and some things that are hot takes in our umpiring world.
Power Chat 14: Accountability
Shhhh...Don't tell Tony I created another Power Chat. I'm creating content off script, but sometimes ideas just can't be ignored. Today I brought up some scenarios that can help us be better leaders on and off the field. Be that example the masses want us to be. Be accountable for your actions and decisions. We all started somewhere and we are all wanting to succeed. Be that leader!!!
Enjoy your weekend and further assignments to come. We all have a purpose with this craft, so why not embrace it?
Be Excellent. Act like you have been here before. Be a leader.
Power Chat 13: How do you travel?
Enjoy your time on the road or in the air. However, you spend your time getting to your next event...Be excellent! Act like you have been there before.
Power Chat 12 - Getting Back to the Basics
-Tony
Both Sides of the Mask wanted to create more content that can be available better than ever. Maybe more episodes? Maybe more interaction? Maybe more interviews? What could we do to fit all our ideas and juggle our personal lives? With family, work, training, and studying for the upcoming season, how do we fit it in? So we created a new way to add more to our listeners. You will be able to get more episodes loaded up weekly. We will publish full episodes, interviews, and short bytes which we will call Power Chat. Tony or Liz will record a “Power Chat” on our own that will be a bonus episode on topics that we are passionate about or a topic that comes to mind. You will hear more about WIN Reality, conversations we’ve had with past guests, and some things that are hot takes in our umpiring world.
In with the New!
With so video more prevalent than ever, we are always on film at all levels...including summer ball. What does that mean for how you see them? On top of that we are in a year of uncertain times and uncertain travel. Some are doing no travel at all, while some are on their 4th week of travel. What does that mean about our crews? Are we seeing new crew mates?
On this episode these are just some of the things we cover. You know us...we are all over the map. Either way...Be excellent!!
Power Chat 11 - Act Like You've Been Here Before
We are all independent contractors that are registered for the respected organization we applied to. We have a choice to work assignments and we can choose to not accept certain assignments. That's the power we have as 1099 workers. How do you embrace your journey? Do you feel valued or underappreciated? Do you have those difficult conversations with your coordinator? Do you trust the leadership you represent? Follow along with this powerful episode that dives into some of these topics. We can only grow together to be better.
Check out this book Rise Up by Dana H. Senders. We mentioned this book in our podcast. The best learning tool to take from this read: Act like you have been there before. Find at: Amazon or NASO Referee Magazine
Power Chat 10 - 18 Plus Feet!
Games are happening and video is being watched. What are we doing with this video, what are we doing in the video, how do we get better, what can we learn...all these questions need to be asked and more. I just wanted to take a little time and share with you things I am seeing and what we can learn from it and how we can get better. Don't point fingers at mistakes...because you will be the next one to make one. What we can do is BE EXCELLENT!
-Tony
Both Sides of the Mask wanted to create more content that can be available better than ever. Maybe more episodes? Maybe more interaction? Maybe more interviews? What could we do to fit all our ideas and juggle our personal lives? With family, work, training, and studying for the upcoming season, how do we fit it in? So we created a new way to add more to our listeners. You will be able to get more episodes loaded up weekly. We will publish full episodes, interviews, and short bytes which we will call Power Chat. Tony or Liz will record a “Power Chat” on our own that will be a bonus episode on topics that we are passionate about or a topic that comes to mind. You will hear more about WIN Reality, conversations we’ve had with past guests, and some things that are hot takes in our umpiring world.
Officially Connected - Scott Kennedy & John Bennett
Join us on this adventure as we cover what www.officiallyconnected.com is and how a call was answered for officials in need. The guys have been zooming and connecting with all sorts of officials and have even taken it to the steps of the State Capital in Kentucky!
Find out about their new venture, that takes the to what they call “The Bottom of the Fifth”. We have a lot of fun and a lot of laughs!
Move Period
Diamond Umpire Academy
Tom Davis Sports Recruiting
Power Chat 9: Are you a Leader or a Follower?
The intention for this episode was to be as authentic and truthful as possible. Many of us take it heart by dedicating as much time as we can to be the best on and off the field. We understand what it means to be a true crewmate, how to be a great crew chief, and how to set the examples. We are family members, friends, employees, mentors, coaches, and umpires.
Every year we have to prepare for the new exam, new season, new expectations. Many umpires spend countless hours and days doing their due diligence. We research through our manuals, rule books, and our case books. But we often hear from others that want the easy way out or wait until the very last possible moment for help or ask for the answers. We have to be better than this. We need to be more prepared. Coaches and athletes train all year. Do you prepare like they do?
So at the end of the day... Are you a leader or a follower? A manager or an employee? Are you serious about your umpiring or are you just trying to get by? Checking the boxes will only allow you to succeed for so long. Will you be the difference maker this year?
Power Chat 8 - Family and Being Honest
There is video out there for us to watch and take notes on. What are you collecting from those videos? Are you in the videos...are you honestly critiquing yourself? One of the things I have told my daughters to not make excuses...why? Because we can't grow from that...find a solution and make you and those around you better!
-Tony
Be Excellent. Have a great 2021 season!
Sponsors: Thank you again to MovePeriod and Diamond Umpire Academy
Recruiting: Tom Davis Sports Recruiting
Training: Win Reality
Need uniforms? Logos? Equipment? So many great deals! Check out these retailers for all your needs:
umpattire.com
purchaseofficials.com
umpjunk.com
***If you are a seller, send us a message with your information and we will advertise it for you***
We want to hear from you!!! Contact us on any platform listed.
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok: Both Sides of The Mask
email: bothsidesofthemask@gmail.com
Website: bothsidesofthemask.com
Voicemail: 330-552-7211
Umps Care - “JSP”
To this day, many past and current officials from all sports continue the great charitable work they provide for our communities. If there is a charity that you want to give back to, look at all their ways to help provide more for people in need. The generosity continues to exemplify why we are more than what we do on the field.
If you would like to donate to UmpsCare, there are so many great ways to contribute:
UmpsCare.com
Amazon Shopping
UmpsCare on Facebook
Power Chat 7 - 2021 Season is Here!
It's Official! 2021 Season is underway! We are excited to finally have a softball season. We will have to tackle many obstacles, but we are more than capable to handle this adversity. Continue to support all the officials that are working this season. It will definitely be different with the outcome of schedules. Be patient, be honest, and be thankful. Thank you to all the officials that have sacrificed their season for the health of their loved ones. We will miss every one of you.
Be Excellent. Have a great 2021 season!
Sponsors: Thank you again to MovePeriod and Diamond Umpire Academy
Recruiting: Tom Davis Sports Recruiting
Training: Win Reality
Need uniforms? Logos? Equipment? So many great deals! Check out these retailers for all your needs:
umpattire.com
purchaseofficials.com
umpjunk.com
***If you are a seller, send us a message with your information and we will advertise it for you***
We want to hear from you!!! Contact us on any platform listed.
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok: Both Sides of The Mask
email: bothsidesofthemask@gmail.com
Website: bothsidesofthemask.com
Voicemail: 330-552-7211
Lifting to Live - Jim Cooper
In our interview, he talks about how important it is to stay true to your values with family, work, fitness, and umpiring. Sounds like a lot, but we can all manage it by inspiring others. Jim is a huge advocate for fitness and health. He continues to display how we can make time to stay in shape all year round.
Take a listen with our colleague and friend from Kentucky. You don’t want to miss this episode.