Skip to content
Both Sides of the Mask podcast artwork

Both Sides of the Mask

by Both Sides of the Mask

Umpires getting together to talk about what it’s like behind the mask, as well as what goes on when we’re not on the field. Touching on different topics that cover all the bases. Interviews with coordinators, staff and other umpires. The idea is to create a fun atmosphere for anyone who can relate to sports, life, and officiating. We don’t know where this will go, but let’s grow together!

From the show's RSS feed, refreshed Apr 10, 2026. Source feed.

Subscribe Bookmark

Episodes

  1. 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…

    more
  2. Power Chat 43 - New Cases Overview

    Quick Overview of the new cases in the case book

  3. Power Chat 42 - Rule 12

    Wrapping up the rule series with Rule 12

  4. Power Chat 41 - Rule 11

    We are on the home stretch! Rule 11 Batter.

  5. Power Chat 40 - Rule 10

    Time for the pitching rule!!

  6. 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.

  7. Power Chat 38 - Rule 8

    Player and Substitutes is the subject for rule 8, plus a little line up card management.

  8. Power Chat 37 - Rule 7

    To the half way point! Rule 7

  9. **NEW UNIFORMS GIVEAWAY**

    New uniforms are here and you can get free shipping on your orders of them from: www.umpjunksa.com 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!

  10. 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.

  11. Power Chat 35 - Rule 5

    Tony goes over rule 5 in the NCAA Softball rule book.

  12. Power Chat 34 - Rule 4

    This episode Tony covers rule 4 of the NCAA rule book. Also we revisit Line Markings in Rule 2.

  13. 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!

  14. Power Chat 32 - Hey Batter Batter

    What happens now on check swings in NCAA Softball? Why take care of your gear?

  15. Power Chat 30 - Can't Reach the Base

    Tony talks about the new collision rule.

  16. 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.

  17. Power Chat 28 - Conferences

    Liz looks at some new rules and different ways to think. Open your mind to more than what is in front of you.

  18. The Unapproachables

    Tony and Liz go over Athletes Unlimited, WCWS format, and being approachable. When does questioning a rule become questioning judgment? What does two more days mean? What pro league? Join them for this and more!!

  19. 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...

  20. 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…

    more
  21. 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…

    more
  22. Power Chat 25 - VR

    Tony hits some highlights going on in the VR world, Pro Softball and not undervaluing yourself.

  23. 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…

    more
  24. Chatting with Power in a Power Chat

    Rule changes are coming...Tony talks about a couple things.

  25. Time to continue the 2021 Season

    Ok lets get this party started...again Liz and Tony talk about Liz's WCWS experience, plus a few tangents left and right

  26. 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...

  27. UCLA, Tent City, and THE Call

    It’s time to talk Super Regionals! One great stories…the quick adventures and THE call. Plus we talk a pressing issue right now in the world of umpiring. Are you ready?

  28. 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...

  29. 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!

  30. Power Chat 22 - Where have you been?!

    Crazy crazy!! Busy busy!!

  31. 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…

    more
  32. 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…

    more
  33. 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.

  34. 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...

  35. Power Chat 17 - The Next Steps of the First Steps

    Tony is alive! Let’s get caught up and go over a few things!!

  36. 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…

    more
  37. 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...

  38. 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…

    more
  39. Power Chat 13: How do you travel?

    When you are preparing for your weekend travels, what are some things you do to get yourself ready? Do you have a routine? Do you plan ahead? Do you have specific rewards programs you try to honor? Last weekend I was experiencing something I wasn't prepared for, but I was able to make…

    more
  40. 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...

  41. In with the New!

    As we enter the 4th week of NCAA Division I Softball, we look at the tough times that you may not see. 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...

  42. Power Chat 11 - Act Like You've Been Here Before

    This power chat may get some powerful feedback. Many subjects that some talk about openly or ignore out of respect to others. With this podcast we try to cover many areas of umpiring, so we can relate to others in this field. Liz talks about handling adversity, being a representative of the...

  43. 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…

    more
  44. Officially Connected - Scott Kennedy & John Bennett

    When it’s time to get connected these guys have us covered! Scott Kennedy and John Bennett were both Minor League Baseball Umpires. This thought of a website to get officials connected was born and it has grown into something special! Join us on this adventure as we cover what...

  45. 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...

  46. Power Chat 8 - Family and Being Honest

    Week 1 is in the past and how did you stack up? There is one big part that we should all keep in mind and that is our FAMILY. Softball will be there for years to come, but will those who stand behind you? There is video out there for us to watch and take notes on. What are you collecting from…

    more
  47. Umps Care - “JSP”

    We had a cool sit down with one of the leaders from UmpsCare. Jennifer or JSP that some call her, talks about how the idea of UmpsCare was created. The amazing growth that this group has provided is incredible. To this day, many past and current officials from all sports continue the great...

  48. 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...

  49. Lifting to Live - Jim Cooper

    Jim Cooper has been a tremendous example of what it takes to be dedicated to your passion. A former standout athlete in college, coach, father, grandfather, and college umpire. In our interview, he talks about how important it is to stay true to your values with family, work, fitness, and…

    more

Topics in this show

Click any topic to search every transcript on PodParley for moments someone mentioned it.

About this show

Umpires getting together to talk about what it’s like behind the mask, as well as what goes on when we’re not on the field. Touching on different topics that cover all the bases. Interviews with coordinators, staff and other umpires. The idea is to create a fun atmosphere for anyone who can relate to sports, life, and officiating. We don’t know where this will go, but let’s grow together!

Hosted by

Both Sides of the Mask

Categories

Frequently asked questions

How many episodes does Both Sides of the Mask have?

Both Sides of the Mask has 94 episodes on PodParley. The most recent episode was published on March 15, 2022.

What is Both Sides of the Mask about?

Umpires getting together to talk about what it’s like behind the mask, as well as what goes on when we’re not on the field. Touching on different topics that cover all the bases. Interviews with coordinators, staff and other umpires. The idea is to create a fun atmosphere for anyone who can relate...

How often does Both Sides of the Mask release new episodes?

Both Sides of the Mask publishes weekly, based on its 94 episodes since May 2020.

Who hosts Both Sides of the Mask?

Both Sides of the Mask is created and hosted by Both Sides of the Mask.
Link copied