It’s that time of the year again were starting to gear up for the 2009 season. I’m sure you want to make this your best season ever. Here are my thoughts for shaking the rust off early and being ready to go for the season.

First, think back to last year, what did you have the most problems with? What situations did you get burned in? When were you out of position? What could you have handled better? A game journal is a good way to recall these things. (More to come on game journals) Looking back will give you a starting point for moving forward.

Exercise

Some people might not think it, but umpiring does require a fair amount of physical activity. Just think about getting down into your plate stance 200+ times, the work out that gives your legs, back and abs (and you should be using your abs). Not to mention sprinting down the line. Get ready by stretching out those muscles now. You don’t want to feel like a 90 year old man when you are finished with your first game. Start with basic stretches and taking a walk. Make sure you are able to sprint those 30 yards. If you start now you won’t be winded when you get out onto the field and you will decrease you risk of injury.

Rules
Brush up on your rules. Think of the ones that give you the most trouble read them and think of how to apply it. If you have access to any rules interpretation manuals see what they have to say. Also, look in your case books. If you are having trouble picturing the play, draw it out on a piece of paper or a white board. If you still have questions post them here. Our knowledgeable members are a great resource.

Mechanics
You haven’t squatted down into a plate stance in a while have you? Spend some time practicing for both left and right handed batters. Look at your feet are they where they are supposed to be? Also practice clearing the catcher. A good way to do this is use a chair as the catcher. If you do this in front of a mirror and an adjustable height desk chair you can practice your head height. Practice your more common mechanics are there any adjustments you want to make? Try them out now.

Training and clinics
Take advantage of training and clinics offered by your association or in your area. When others have questions listen to the questions. While the question asked might not be your question the question and it’s explanation can only add to your understanding, or maybe it will spark a new question for you.

Availability
Now is the time to start planning your availability. Think down the road and start blocking out dates you will not be available (guys remember to block off your wife’s birthday and your anniversary. Speaking from experience you don’t want to forget and then have a game those days unless you have a really comfortable couch). Also, your assigner needs to have as much notice as possible. So get into Arbiter, Assign by Web or any other system you use. Making your assigners job easier makes your job easier. Turn-backs are going to happen unfortunately, but planning keeps them to a minimum and you don’t want to have a turn back for something which could be seen in advance.

Equipment & Uniforms
It’s time to pull your equipment bag out of storage. If you haven’t already take inventory of what you have and what you need. Place those orders early. It is getting to the time of year when some suppliers start having supply issues because of peak demand. Many new umpires are beginning their training and buying their first set of equipment and uniforms and many veterans are restocking their equipment bags. You don’t want to be on any back order list and risk not having what you need when you need it. Also be sure to account for any special orders which will require adjustments, embroidery or hemming.

Check out those uniforms. Did they mysteriously shrink in the off season? Now’s the time to find out if last seasons uniforms will fit, not in the parking lot before your first game.

Check for fading. Good places to look are in the belt line for pants and under the collar or inside the pocket for shirts. If you can see a color difference, then it is time for them to be replaced.

Check your shoe laces. Look for fraying, if they’re starting to fray now, they probably won’t make it through the season. Replace them now, before there is a problem and while you’re at it grab a second pair to keep for emergencies in your equipment bag for both your base and plate shoes. Look at the aglets too if they’re gone your shoelace is getting to the end of its life. If you’re a big spender get a pair of boot laces with metal aglets. I have a friend who when they got new shoes immediately threw out the laces the shoes came with and replaced them with more durable boot laces with metal aglets. He says the laces will now outlast the shoes. I’ll try these when I need new ones.
Here’s to a great season!