KBO UMPIRES TO WEAR MASKS DURING GAMES

[Anchor Lead]

The coronavirus spread has brought some changes to the scene of baseball games in Korea and one of them is head referees wearing one more layer of masks. Next, we'll bring you a story about the new hardships umpires have to endure in this time of the epidemic.

[Pkg]

​A head umpire is preparing for a game. These days, he has to undergo one more procedure: wearing a face mask under his heavy protective gear. It is a measure to prevent his saliva droplets from spreading around when he delivers a decision. A face mask under protective gear...it looks quite stifling.

[Soundbite] CHU PYONG-HO(BASEBALL UMPIRE) : "It's stuffy. It will be harder in the summer because of sweat."

The face mask limits visibility, requiring the referee to pay greater attention to the game.

[Soundbite] CHU PYONG-HO(BASEBALL UMPIRE) : "I have to follow the path of the ball below my eyes. I sometimes miss it due to the mask."

Despite the inconveniences caused by the mask, the chief umpire must remain calm and objective in making judgments. Other referees feel sorry for the chief umpire.

[Soundbite] "Thank you."

[Soundbite] CHU PYONG-HO(BASEBALL UMPIRE) : "It is tougher than expected. Baseball is the first sport to start the new season. I will do my best in every possible manner."

When the new pro baseball season opens, chief umpires are required to wear face masks during games for the time being. This is one of the reasons they are hoping for a quick end to the COVID-19 pandemic.