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Greetings Fellow Umpires!
Welcome to the first installment of The Umpire's Call,
a
monthly (January - May) newsletter for amateur
baseball umpires and those interested in becoming
baseball umpires.
The Umpire's Call will be a light look at all levels of
baseball umpiring, youth league through college, placing
emphasis on recruitment of new umpires, earlier than
usual preparation for the upcoming season, and
education and training for all.
Why an e-Newsletter for Umpires?
There is a considerable amount of information, rules,
mechanics, and general training tips available
for baseball umpires. Many of us do not take the time
to
search for such information that will help us improve our
work, until it is either after the fact, or too late. Most
of us do not think about our season until
we pull out our umpire uniforms and hope they fit!
My wish list for The Umpire's Call is to:
- Raise the standard and awareness of baseball
umpires.
- Compile, organize, and share reference and
training materials.
- Assist associations in identifying,
recruiting, and training umpires.
- Announce training clinics and rules meetings.
- Receive feedback and answer questions
It's a new venture, and a bit scary - just like putting
on the gear and working behind an unskilled catcher.
There will always be great ideas, constructive criticism,
unsolicited input, differing thoughts, and varying
opinions - all are most welcome.
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This Umpire's Call |
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It is this umpire's call, and well known for some time,
that there is a rapidly increasing
shortage, at all levels, of trained and competent
amateur baseball umpires. Older umpires are retiring or
working less games and younger umpires are finding
that
there are easier ways to have a hobby.
Where do we find new and younger umpires? How do
we train them? Who is responsible for this recruiting
and training?
How do we equip them? How do we get
assignors to hire them?
The first hurdle is identifying potential umpires. Officials
associations, umpires, and baseball coaches would
seem to have the best opportunity to recommend new
people. Colleagues, friends, relatives, the kid who
maybe was not good enought to play regularly, but has
passion for the game are all good possibilities.
There are many, many good people out there that will
become interested and excited if we, the experienced
umpires, give them some encouragement and training.
With proper guidance
and mentoring we can assure that these new umpires
will return for their second game and maybe even for a
second season.
Little effort is needed to call these people and invite
them
to the first rules meeting of the season, the first
association meeting, or take them to a game to see
how rewarding and fun this really can be!
Make
the effort and make the call to recruit one new
umpire this season.
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I want to become an umpire! |
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New umpires are highly encouraged to register with
their
state high school association. Even if one's intention is
not
to umpire interscholastic contests this is the best place
to begin. Each state charges a varying registration fee
which gives one
access to rulebooks, rules meetings and in some cases,
ever important
liability insurance. Check with your state association to
confirm the cost, what is provided and if there is a
minimum age
requirement.
In Wisconsin individuals who are 18-years old
and younger and/or still in high school, may be licensed
and officiate contests up to and including ninth grade
teams. The registration fee is reduced and this is a
great opportunity for young men and women to get
started.
Umpire Registration Sites:
Wisconsin: www.wiaawi.org/officials/register.html
Minnesota: www.mshsl.org/mshsl/officialsjudges.asp
Iowa: email - officials@iahsaa.org
Illinois: - www.ihsa.org/official/index.htm
Rules Meetings Dates and Sites:
Wisconsin: www.wiaawi.org/rules/springrul.html
Minnesota: www.mshsl.org/mshsl/officialsjudges.asp
Iowa: www.iahsaa.org/03-04rls.html#BASEBALL
Illinois: www.ihsa.org/official/rulesba.htm
Umpire reference books available
at:www.referee.com/books/catalog.htm
1. Smart Baseball Umpiring
2. High School Umpires Guidebook
3. Baseball Umpires Guidebook, Volume I, Mechanics for
a Crew of Two Umpires
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Interested in an umpires clinic? |
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Plans are underway for a one night, activity based
clinic in the La Crosse area for umpires of all levels. A
great chance to get that new umpire you are
recruiting,
as well as the veterans, some pre-season training.
Lasting about 3 hours a small fee would be charged to
cover facility rental
This would also be the perfect reason to find
your gear earlier than ususal, and see if last year's
clothes fit!
Please provide me with some feedback today as to your
interest - should this not work - contact me about
hosting a clinic at your site!
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February Newsletter Preview |
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- More reference material sites.
- What equipment do I need and where do I get it?
- Rules, Rules, Rules - I didn't know there was more
than one kind!
- 2004 rules changes and emphasis for NCAA and
Federation rules.
- Announcements from around the area.
- Your feedback and questions.
Future Newsletters:
- Contacting game assignors, athletic directors and
conference commissioners.
- The correct way to begin a baseball game.
- The catcher is making my life miserable!
- Help! I can't get a pitch right!
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Youth Baseball Umpire Clinics (YBUC) |
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Does your league or organization experience any of the
following problems?
· Poorly umpired games
· Can't find enough umpires
· Too many on-field disagreements
· Games taking forever
· Fans, coaches, and parents complaining
Designed for young umpires as well as
veterans, Youth Baseball Umpire Clinics is in its
4th year
of
educating youth baseball umpires with a
comprehensive "HANDS ON" format.
NOT "sit and listen, take notes, watch a
video" instruction - YBUC
participants come dressed for
activity and take an active part in learning pre-game
responsibilities, consistent umpiring techniques, on field
positioning, and proper game administration.
Host a YBUC at your site - Please cllick here for info! »
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Will You Help? |
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Thanks for reading the inaugural issue of The
Umpire's
Call
and I do hope you enjoyed it. In return
there
are three
things you can do to help:
1. Click on my email
address below and provide feedback - good bad or
ugly, I would like to hear from you. Include any
questions, concerns, or criticisms.
2. Click on
the "forward
email" link below and share this newsletter with others
who may enjoy such information - especially that new
umpire you are going to recruit!
3. Email any
announcements regarding your officials association,
umpiring group or youth league and I will be happy to
publish it in the February issue.
Thanks for your help and my best regards,
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