Questions on asscoiations

[James Walker]

How it works is the ball park I work puts it out that they need umps. We show up, veterans get invited back and they fill the holes with new guys/ HS kids. This past summer we decided to form an association. I've never been part of an association so I've got a few questions.

1) I assume that if we were to do travel ball, we would have to be certified to do that particular groups tournament. If we have enough people participating, would they send some one to put on a clinic?

2) I understand that being new, we will have to build up our reputation to get better tournaments. How would we go about getting some lower level tourneys?

Also, if you could tell me what you like or don't like about your current of former associations so I can get a general idea of what to and not to do.

[umpcoachfather]

Here are my recommendations:

all umpires should pass a test and mechanics course (yearly)

Don't build an "Old Boy" network.

Help the people out who are out of work.

Send only the best to tourney's - make them earn it. 

Do evaluations - prove that the harder you work the more "visible" you will be.

Give awards.

Develop a mentorship program. 

[johnnyg08]

Here are my recommendations: all umpires should pass a test and mechanics course (yearly) Don't build an "Old Boy" network. Help the people out who are out of work. Send only the best to tourney's - make them earn it.  Do evaluations - prove that the harder you work the more "visible" you will be. Give awards. Develop a mentorship program. 

Agree completely with this. Excellent points.

[Guest]

Only point to add is don't always tell the umpires when a supervision will be taking place. By dropping in at a game unannounced, you can see more about things that someone may consciously "flip the switch" during a game they know they're being evaled in. Examples: arrival time, uniform standard, mechanics.

[alex7]

Use social media to recruit new / young umpires.  

 

One association near ours ranks their umpires and has the list available for their umpires.  Leads to lots of animosity and rumors.  I recommend letting the individual evaluations do all the talking.

 

Work with the city to have your 2nd and 3rd year umpires work youth tournament games.

 

We have everyone meet and learn for 30 minutes, then break out into a rookie/2nd year class that's separate from the veteran class.

Once games start, the first 30 minutes are for game situations.

 

Each week 2 veterans are assigned to teach one concept each.  Keeping sharp line-up cards, substitution rules, 2 and 3-man mechanics, balks (Jim Evans DVD is great), base awards, etc.

 

Use video often. 

[cyclonehokiece]

Don't build an "Old Boy" network.

Help the people out who are out of work.

 

I picked the two I think are more important.  The "Good Ol' Boy" network needs to be squashed immediately.  Every association I have been in has had it to a degree, and it irks me to no end that you really can't do much to get rid of it once it is entrenched because they have their hands in EVERYTHING.

 

The second one is important, especially in this time of a weak job market. If someone is willing to work hard because the only income they are getting or they are supplementing the low wage job that they hold is the game fees, they should be given some help in getting going. I am not meaning sacrificing standards, but help him out with getting him some older equipment for cheap or free so he can save more of his fees to use for his food, housing payment, etc, for example.

[MidAmUmp]

Training, training, training.

 

Get your veteran members to a respectable clinic (if I could just think of the name of one ) and have them come back and pass along what they learned.  Or bring a clinic to your location.  Many are willing to travel.  Hey!  Come to think of it...Umpire-Empire was looking at doing some traveling clinics.  You might talk to Warren about that.

 

Advertise everywhere for new members.  As others have said, the economy sucks and everyone is looking to make more $$$.  I've advertised on Craigslist, put up posters at local sporting goods stores, restaurants, sports facilities and area colleges.  We have grown our association membership every year.  Train your new recruits.

 

Once you build up your reputation the games will come.  Once you get the tournaments/games you want, you need to spread them around.  I agree you want to use your best but you also need to reward those who are busting their ass for you.  Even if they aren't the greatest you can put them out there with a veteran where they won't step into too much crap.  Everyone needs a carrot at the end of the stick or you'll lose them.

[BRUMP]

Some good points on here. My $.02 don't become set in your ways. If member comes to you with a suggestion don't dismiss it by saying "that's how we've always done it."

[mjr_2013]

How it works is the ball park I work puts it out that they need umps. We show up, veterans get invited back and they fill the holes with new guys/ HS kids. This past summer we decided to form an association. I've never been part of an association so I've got a few questions.

1) I assume that if we were to do travel ball, we would have to be certified to do that particular groups tournament. If we have enough people participating, would they send some one to put on a clinic?

2) I understand that being new, we will have to build up our reputation to get better tournaments. How would we go about getting some lower level tourneys?

Also, if you could tell me what you like or don't like about your current of former associations so I can get a general idea of what to and not to do.

 

The other guys have answered their likes/dislikes, so I'll answer 1 and 2...

 

1) It would depend what they want you certified in. If you're going to be doing high school games, and they want your certified to work Texas high school games, then it would be on the members own to get certified... If they just wanted the group to know basics, they may send someone to teach a little... To get higher levels of ball, you could also decide to pay for your own clinics to come to you. I don't know specifically about Texas clinics, but if you Googled it I'm sure something would pop up.

 

2) Network, network, network... Look up Texas area tournaments, get in contact with the tournament director, tell him you have X number of umpires ready and able to umpire his or her tournament, and work your way up.

 

Good luck!!

[semper_fi_72]

A few things to note you may need:

 

You may need By Laws for your Association.

You may need a Board of Directors for your Association.

You may need a Federal Tax number and one for your State.

You may have to get Insurance for the Association.

Make sure your umpires carry insurance.

Some of the above may not applicable if your running it as a business but then the tax requirements fall on the person running it.

You will have to produce and file 1099s for anyone making over $600 from your Association during the year.

 

As far as doing Travel Ball or any games for a league?

Do not expect them to provide clinics or anything.

You are the Service Provider and they are the Customer.

You need to prove your product to them.

[BalkHawk]

Find some young guns who work MiLB (or MidAm) to come in and make sure everyone is brushed up on the latest PBUC mechanics. Make your association committed to continuing education.