BozBlue - Nookie (Dont Bash the Ump)

[BozBlue]

To start I dont have as much experience as most of you, I have only been involved with baseball for 3 years now, Started my introduction to baseball with my son while in South Africa(the sport is not very big), Assisted Coaching in the first year, then was handed the coaching job last year, had a great year and a great time(won the league, was the kids not me)

I have been called on a few times to Umpire T-ball games, as I had a better then most knowledge of the game, there is no offical umpire path in South Africa. I have since moved to Australia and everything is run very well here.

The club my son, who is now in Little League, has joined was looking for people to Umpire, as the Association has introduced the requirement that only "trained" umpires conduct certain level of games. My thirst for knowledge of the game and the wanting to be more involved, I jumped up and volunteered to be one of the few to undertake this:smachhead:. So far we have not had a game to put my new found knowledge to task, but I am only a Level O (Orientation/Green) Umpire at this stage and will look into the Next level, Next Season.

I Will be abusing this forum with all my questions, so that i can better my knowledge and conduct of this wonderful game.

Thanks for make a forum for us all to express and question this Game.

[Bigdog]

Hey all,

Boz, Welcome to the forum!! One thing to remember, it's not how much experience you have, but more the fact that you are willing to learn and get better that will get you better faster. Good Luck!

Bigdog:cool:

[Umpire in Chief]

Welcome, we also have another member (HokieUmp) who formerly called ball down under, but he is back in the states now.

[mstaylor]

Welcome to the site. Feel free to ask away, it's what we love. There is a fair amount of knowledge and experience here.

[Kyle_Stevens]

Welcome to the site! This is a great place to ask questions and learn more. We all learn something from the questions and posts here.

[HokieUmp]

The club my son, who is now in Little League, has joined was looking for people to Umpire, as the Association has introduced the requirement that only "trained" umpires conduct certain level of games. My thirst for knowledge of the game and the wanting to be more involved, I jumped up and volunteered to be one of the few to undertake this:smachhead:. So far we have not had a game to put my new found knowledge to task, but I am only a Level O (Orientation/Green) Umpire at this stage and will look into the Next level, Next Season.

As UIC mentioned, I umpired in Oz for a while. I worked games for 4 years in Alice Springs. What club are you with? Anyway, Queensland Baseball is pretty well organized, so you should be able to get training and mentoring.

At level O, I would think you'd be working bases, at least, and getting some games behind the plate at the younger age groups. Before I left, I managed to acquire level 2 status. But my main concern was being accredited, period, as I knew I would be leaving Oz in a set period of time, and there was no chance of getting truly big games in Australia.

There was one guy at the Jim Evans Academy in Jan. 08 that was from Australia, but I can't remember his name at this point. I also know a few other umpires from the other states (not many accredited umpires in the Northern Territory), and most of the guys I've met are good 'blokes' to work with. Pick their brains when you get the chance.

[Umpire in Chief]

I was just thinking that you're pretty lucky BozBlue as many of our seasons are winding down or already have ended your probably just picking up.

[Stan W.]

Welcome Boz...

I think you will find this helpful in your development.....and I am jealous you are heading into summer since we have the winter looming ahead of us....

[blindumpire99]

Hey no worries mate! n' welcome to the "terri-trees" 'ere!