Pre-Season Camps/Clinics?

[NCAAump2]

I'm looking for a pre-season camp or clinic to go to...I've heard about the Southern Camp in Atlanta and am considering that one, but would like to know if there are other options. Ideally, I would like to go to a camp that has college assigners that are evaluating and possibly hiring umpires, but I know that most of those types of camps are held in the fall. Just looking for camps that would help me improve and advance my career as an umpire.

[BRUMP]

The southern camp has Tony Thompson running the show and he's the main guy for college ball in the south. If your looking to move into college ball in that area I'd say that's the best bet.

[NCAAump2]

Well I'm from St. Louis, so I don't know that working college ball down south that far is really a possibility. Is the Southern Camp known for being a good camp? I sent an email to the camp asking a couple questions, but have yet to receive a response. If I would go to the Southern Camp, what should I expect?

[BRUMP]

I've never been, but I know a few guys on here have.

[yawetag]

I've never heard anything bad about the Southern Camp and have looked at going myself. Plus, if Tony thinks you're good enough for southern conferences, I'm sure he can put in a good word to our area, too.

[umpirebrianc]

The camp we are hosting in East Texas (Tyler, TX) is pretty good. I've been to the International Camp (like the southern camp just 3 man also by Tony) and to college ones in Houston. The instruction we will have here will be excellent and help you improve greatly, we will have 2 cages with instructors then 2 fields with 2 instructors on each field. One of the MLB guys who instructs with Tony off and on is on our staff - Marvin Hudson. Check it out at www.umpireclinics.com. Cost of clinic itself is only $85.00 - Jan 18-20.

You are correct that pretty much all of the college recruitment clinics are over at this point as the NCAA regional clinics are starting in January. I am trying to have a couple of college assignors attend our camp but haven't confirmed them yet.

[yawetag]

Is there a two-man clinic that assumes attendees know the two-man mechanics and actually delves into more-advanced mechanics or even simply helps fine tune what you're already doing? Any time I see agendas for clinics, I cringe when I see a 2-hour (or longer) block for "two-man mechanics." While I understand some attendees need the classroom and field instruction on the basics, many of us are there to become better, not learn the basics.

I'm nowhere near perfect in two-man mechanics, but I know what I'm doing; I just need someone to put us in situations and help make what we do even better.

[spiritump]

I think in your area the man to contact is Rich Fetchiet, you can google him and his contact informations will come up.

[AZump78]

Is there a two-man clinic that assumes attendees know the two-man mechanics and actually delves into more-advanced mechanics or even simply helps fine tune what you're already doing? Any time I see agendas for clinics, I cringe when I see a 2-hour (or longer) block for "two-man mechanics." While I understand some attendees need the classroom and field instruction on the basics, many of us are there to become better, not learn the basics.

I'm nowhere near perfect in two-man mechanics, but I know what I'm doing; I just need someone to put us in situations and help make what we do even better.

Unfortunately not. The classroom sessions will always cover the basics for the benefit of any newer guys.

The nuances of the system will usually come up more during on-field drills/games when something happens that allows the instructor to share some deeper insight or small tip for that situation.

BUT-there will be times that someone asks a great question during the classroom session that will lead the instructor to delve deeper into the topic being discussed.

Those moments are where you (and everyone else in the room) really get your money's worth from the camp.

[AZump78]

I'm looking for a pre-season camp or clinic to go to...I've heard about the Southern Camp in Atlanta and am considering that one, but would like to know if there are other options. Ideally, I would like to go to a camp that has college assigners that are evaluating and possibly hiring umpires, but I know that most of those types of camps are held in the fall. Just looking for camps that would help me improve and advance my career as an umpire.

If you have the time and can swing the expense....GO

[gnhbua93]

www.tripleplayumpires.com

[NFUA_44]

I'm looking for a pre-season camp or clinic to go to...I've heard about the Southern Camp in Atlanta and am considering that one, but would like to know if there are other options. Ideally, I would like to go to a camp that has college assigners that are evaluating and possibly hiring umpires, but I know that most of those types of camps are held in the fall. Just looking for camps that would help me improve and advance my career as an umpire.

Advance and Improve = Southern Camp. You will make some great contacts, add to your Umpire resume, and make some great friends in the process.

It will be a big boost in the next step. Find the local college conferences in your area and get the info for the Umpire Assn. that is assigning for them. Pick up the phone and call that guy! Find out when his try out camp is, and while your at it ask him point blank if he knows of any clinics that would help add to your resume. He won't forget your name, in fact you'll be the guy who took the time to ask him and get his opinion before even trying out.

Finally, check out Mid-America Ump here on UE, he has two clinics (at a minimum) each year, and if I'm not mistaken he is right in your neck of the woods. Good Luck!

[MidAmUmp]

Is there a two-man clinic that assumes attendees know the two-man mechanics and actually delves into more-advanced mechanics or even simply helps fine tune what you're already doing? Any time I see agendas for clinics, I cringe when I see a 2-hour (or longer) block for "two-man mechanics." While I understand some attendees need the classroom and field instruction on the basics, many of us are there to become better, not learn the basics.

I'm nowhere near perfect in two-man mechanics, but I know what I'm doing; I just need someone to put us in situations and help make what we do even better.

This past year at the Mid-American Umpire Clinic we got more in depth with the 2-umpire system. We spent a lot of time breaking down the "why's" vs. the "stand here because we said so's"...if that makes sense. We had some rain that delayed our games on Saturday and we had a really good session where we got into the base umpire and plate umpire responsibilities. The plate umpire groups were really good. We broke down the different positions for taking plays at the plate including lining up tags with the catcher's glove arm and possibly having to take plays in fair territory to see a back tag. We thought it went so well that we are working all of this into the standard curriculum for the 2013 clinic.

Having said all of that, many come into a 2-umpire clinic with the *thought* that they know the 2-umpire system, but they always walk away having learned something from the basics. Most have learned 2-man from a crazy old man in their association who only knows what was taught back when the balloon was standard issued equipment. Others know the NFHS 2-man which will get you nowhere if you want to move up the ladder. Learning the PROPER 2-man as prescribed by the CCA manual is vital to moving up because the 3-man and 4-man are all based off of it. To be perfectly honest, I learn something new each year when we cover 2-man so I would expect the attendees to do the same if they come in with an open mind & willingness to learn vs. "there to become better, not learn the basics" mentality.

Believe me, it's hard as the owner of a clinic to try to find a balance between the basics for those who need it and some advanced techniques for those who need it without going over someone's head.

[NCAAump2]

Jason, I've heard great things about your camp, and plan to attend this coming fall. Have the dates for 2013 been finalized?

[johnnyg08]

Jason, I've heard great things about your camp, and plan to attend this coming fall. Have the dates for 2013 been finalized?

Figure out a way to go. You won't be disappointed.

[yawetag]

Jason, I've heard great things about your camp, and plan to attend this coming fall. Have the dates for 2013 been finalized?

Figure out a way to go. You won't be disappointed.

I agree. I went a few years ago and had a great time.

[MidAmUmp]

2013 Dates will be September 5-8 in Springfield, MO at the award winning Oasis Convention Center & Hotel.

I hope to have the website updated by the first of the year.

Thurs., Sept. 5 attendance optional - allowing for travel

Ice breaker/meet & greet along with couple discussions about career advancement and professionalism.

Fri., Sept. 6 the clinic will begin at 9 AM

Classroom Session breaking down the 2-umpire system - not "you stand here" but "why you stand here".

Field Session walking through the 2-umpire system (Base & Plate Groups), letting you see what we talked about in the classroom.

Video Taped Cage Session with on-site review.

Rules Overview with video.

Sat., Sept. 7 & Sun., Sept. 8

Umpire games with area colleges, showcase teams, and a fall HS league. Plate work video taped/base work possibly video taped

Breakout sessions/Cage sessions

Drill/Situation Field

Saturday evening will have discussions

Everyone can leave after their innings are complete on Sunday. Innings on Sunday are scheduled based on travel distances/flight itineraries.

[yawetag]

It's great to see Friday is an all-day affair. I'm thinking about coming back next year.

[JaxRolo]

Are there any shuttles or anything from airport?

[yawetag]

Are there any shuttles or anything from airport?

Jax,

If you come, I'll pick you up at the airport.

[NCAAump2]

I should be able to make those dates, and I'm also glad Friday is now all-day. Will there be college supervisors/assigners in attendance, as well?

[MidAmUmp]

Are there any shuttles or anything from airport?

Yes. The Oasis offers free shuttles from the airport. We'll make arrangements to get people there on Sunday for their flights.

[MidAmUmp]

I should be able to make those dates, and I'm also glad Friday is now all-day. Will there be college supervisors/assigners in attendance, as well?

Yes. Probably from the MIAA & GLVC...and me :-)

[NCAAump2]

Sounds great! Already looking forward to it!

[Ring 'em Up]

just curious.. i see that most of the clinics are back east. this said i live in Long Beach CA. are there any clinics here in southern california?

ron-