Pre-season training

[Umpire in Chief]

The season is about to start and we're gearing up for for another great year.

My association does a couple of really good things:

First we're having a day long clinic to help us shake off the rust and some bad habits.

Then we all umpires have to work 2 HS scrimmages for free. And were are reviewed by our evaluators for ways to improve before it counts. There will be 1-2 evaluators at the games and between 4-5 umpires. Each umpire will rotate in for 2 innings or so behind the plate and 2 innings on the bases. We get our feedback on ways to improve.

I personally will try to pick up one more scrimmage and will travel with a friend who is a college umpire to watch him a time or two before my season kicks off.

[Stan W.]

Thats really good....

I am transitioning to a new HS chapter due to the consolidation of my long time chapter for declining membership...I understand that they have a mandatory clinic and I am looking forward to it...I am going to take my student approach to the new association...

Mouth shut...

Ears open...

I will also attend the state clinic..........I will also work a few days in the indoor cage calling pitches for my sons DIII team prior to their Florida spring training trip....

Summer chapter is planning a clinic and a working scrimmage for members, but I will take an instructor role in that one.....:smachhead:

Edited January 6, 2009 by Stan W.

[mstaylor]

We do the same as Warren, one day clinic where I insruct. Then at least two scrimmages free. I work a little but mostly observe.

[catoblue]

Me? I'll attend our LL District clinic before the season, then call my 3 or 4 regular season games to get ready for tourney time to roll around again.

Next year will be a different story - will be joining the NY association and attending their training sessions, I believe they do scrimmages too.

[Ghostump]

I posted a thread elsewhere on the forums...but was wondering if you had heard about a new umpire school in Florida? It's the Oceanside Umpire Training School, at the Cocoa Expo Sports Center in Cocoa, FL. It looks like it's geared towards guys who want to learn how to umpire high school and college ball...even though half the instructors are former pro umps...interesting concept...I am thinking about signing up...it's a two week school, and they have a one week option, as well...can you guys tell me what you think?

Ghosty

[Majordave]

Enquiring minds want to know. thanks.

[Ghostump]

Enquiring minds want to know. thanks.

I thought your profile said "Resident Equipment CHEF"!!! I must be losing my mind...LOL...if you are a chef...can you please cook me up some new ball bags??? Mine are fading fast...!

Ghosty

[Ghostump]

Enquiring minds want to know. thanks.

Here's the link for the new school:

www.outschool.biz

Ok...thoughts???

[Umpire in Chief]

I looked at the site a little while back when I was checking out the the expo. I plan on going to the expo in 2010. I notice Greg Chittenden is the chief instructor. He runs the Mid-American Camp which is generally highly regarded. I would want to see some of the feedback from some of the guys who go, so let us know if you do.

[Ghostump]

I looked at the site a little while back when I was checking out the the expo. I plan on going to the expo in 2010. I notice Greg Chittenden is the chief instructor. He runs the Mid-American Camp which is generally highly regarded. I would want to see some of the feedback from some of the guys who go, so let us know if you do.

I called Bob Bainter after I read this post...apparently he was Greg's crew chief in AA and AAA...he jokingly said that he taught Greg everything he knows...he said, "don't take that seriously though, I'd take a bullet for Greg." Sounds like my kind of guy! I will let you know, but I think I'm going...

Later!

[Majordave]

I thought your profile said "Resident Equipment CHEF"!!!

Funny thing is I do teach Hospitality Marketing which involves cooking once per week in my HS business teacher job. I am not culinary school trained but I do have some chef-like abilities. I am going to be the guest chef one night a month at a local restaurant here beginning on January 20. So, UIC, maybe we need to give me another title?

Cook you up some ballbags...... That's good. I prefer Honig's 12" ball bags myself. I would love to see the bags sold on Jim Evans Academy Store site in person.

Bob Bainter, patriarch of OUTS himself has a thread over on officiating.com about his school.

Good work, keep it up.