MHSA(Q&)A: Midwest League Umpire John Libka
June 22, 2012
By Brian Spencer
Second Half
As a high school junior eight years ago, John Libka began his officiating career as part of the MHSAA Legacy Program.
Now 24, Libka -- who grew up in Mayville and attended school at Juniata Christian in Vassar -- is a baseball umpire in the Class A Midwest League.
The Legacy Program pairs high school seniors and juniors with experienced mentors and allows them to officiate junior high and sub-varsity contests. Libka's mentor was his father, Gary Libka. (Click to read more about the Legacy Program.)
We caught up with John Libka during his summer run through the communities that make up the Midwest League, which in Michigan includes Lansing, Midland and Comstock Park.
Do you think that your experience playing baseball in high school helped you at all during your early and present umpiring career?
Yeah, probably a little bit. I got to see the other side. I received insight on why certain things happen, and how plays and events develop. It also helped me develop the instincts I needed and continue to rely on to be successful.
What was the biggest factor in helping you choose the MHSAA’s Legacy Program over a senior season of baseball (Libka played for his school as a junior)?
I like spending time with my dad, and going to the Legacy Program was a great way to do that. He umpired for 30 years, so he was a good mentor and there was no better option to spend time with him. I also love baseball, so I knew I wanted to stick with baseball in some way.
What was your favorite childhood baseball memory?
I lived for going to Tiger Stadium, and Comerica Park for that matter. The memories at Tiger Stadium were the best. I went to the third-to-last game against the Yankees, I think. It was an awesome experience and a great memory.
What is the most important piece of advice you’ve been given as an umpire?
The most important advice I think I’ve received is probably just to stay even keel. You can’t get too high or too low being an umpire. You have to take every play or every pitch the same, and that is true for all levels, not just in pro ball. You just have to keep a good perspective on everything.
Being on the road a lot, is there any specific restaurant that you look for? What is your favorite food at ____?
We actually try to mix it up a lot. I like to go to Panera. If we could go anywhere, I like going there. The broccoli and cheese bread bowl is usually my favorite. We like to go get the bread bowl for a pregame meal. I also like going to McDonald’s every morning to get an iced coffee. It’s a great way to start the day.
According to an interview conducted with MLive, you worked for Bronner’s this past winter in Frankenmuth. Which do you prefer more, an artificial Christmas tree or a real Christmas tree?
I prefer an artificial Christmas tree. However, after working there you have to have a good eye. The tree has to be just right.
You must catch some flak from coaches and fans; is there any game that sticks out, in which you or your partner received the most verbal abuse?
We actually had a game earlier this year in Fort Wayne where we had three ejections in a postgame incident. We were actually commended for how we handled it. Those are the times when you learn the most.
How do you get through a game where a fan or coach is being unruly?
The best advice is to stay even keel and not to pay attention to a lot of the fans. You handle stuff when you need to, you ignore stuff when you need to. Overall, you just stay objective. If you take the high road most of the time and make the fans or coaches decide their fate, you can’t go wrong.
Do you have any advice for aspiring umpires hoping to make it to the big time?
The best advice I can give is to continue to be a student of the game. It is one of the toughest sports as far as the rules go. Tim Kurkjian once said, “You can go to the ballpark and see something different every day.” When I watch a game on TV, I watch the umpires and not the game. It’s the best way to learn.
All in the Details
December 3, 2015
By Brent Sorg
Collegiate official & MHSAA coach
In my experience as both an official and coach, my partners or officials assigned to work my match are judged the moment we meet and make contact. That is human nature.
What is important is to make that first impression a positive one. At first contact, when greeting an administrator, coach or fellow official, look the person in the eye when shaking hands and be sincere in your greeting. When the person speaks, look them in the eye and listen. Sounds simple, yet I’ve seen many fail at this task and thus set themselves up for a difficult match.
The next moment of impact is the conversations that take place. It is totally acceptable to have a laugh and a joke, but be sure the environment and timing is right. You may ask, “Who is to judge when the time is correct?” It is all a feeling – a sort of sixth sense. I have witnessed on numerous occasions during the pregame check-in where officials “dig their own grave” by telling the players how they are going to call the game. Then they continue with how they will only talk to the captain. That is nonsense! In the business of managing people, it is imperative to deal with everyone involved in the game.
Once the match begins, the next task to strive for is not looking at the ball the entire time. From the first class I took on officiating, I was told the ball never commits a foul. In my 25 years, this is still true. Look ahead, scan the field, watch the players battling for position prior to the ball arriving. If one of the backs has the ball at his feet and is under zero pressure, there is no need to watch him pass the ball. Look instead at the forward checking back who is tightly marked by an opposing defender.
The game continues to evolve with faster, smarter, and more creative players. The coaches are implementing tactics to create every advantage possible. As you go about the game as the center official, don’t just judge fouls/non-foul moments, but expand your knowledge. What are the tendencies of certain players on the field? Are teams looking to build up or are they using a more direct style of play? This will help with your positioning and anticipating movement.
Almost every match has at least one defining moment that you as the referee must have the courage to deal with. It is often referred to as the “moment of truth.” It could mean you rule it is not a foul and don’t even have to blow the whistle, but you must deal with dissent. Or it could mean a stern talking to the player, issuing a caution, or showing the red card. Reflecting on the mentors I have had over the years and those I still look up today, I think about a consistent theme heard from all: Make sure you get something out of each caution or send-off.
Be brave. Make the tough decisions. Remember, the players are the ones who commit fouls forcing us to make certain decisions.
Many of you watch professional games on television, and I think we can all learn from them. In particular, I think the EPL (English Premier League) referees do an excellent job of isolating the guilty player, explaining the decision, and then showing the card. All while looking the player square in the eyes.
Your mindset to a match should be one of teamwork and one that fosters harmony with the players on the pitch. Not an “us vs. them” mentality.
Finally, be willing to admit a mistake. You are not perfect! You are a human being. It is OK to admit an error, but be genuine about it. Be sympathetic when appropriate. Be firm yet fair.
Most importantly, enjoy.
Sorg is a former National Referee and current NISOA Referee (ACC, Big Ten, Big East, Horizon, Conference USA, MAC); he also is a high school boys head coach who recently concluded his 11th season.