Hello all from NorCal

[Just-Call-It]

A big hello from the sunny confines of my NorCal location. I hope this finds you in equally beautiful weather.

 

A little about me... I am 43 and currently work Softball & Baseball (prefer softball - its just more exciting and compact for me) for various associations including doing about 40 or so games a year for my local Little League district.  Also, I've been or am current in NFHS through NCOA, ASA, AllWorld, NSA & PGF.

 

I umpired my first game in 1990 as a young college kid(age 20) when the opportunity came up to make some extra dough. At that time, my knowledge extended only to what I knew from playing the game as a youth and a 10 min training session on where the gear was kept - then thrown right into 14U & 16U baseball for the little league program (yes they paid, still do). 95% of the games were done solo and at a high school field with no other league official within miles. Baptism by fire for certain... but in the end, coaches, players and parents survived my OJT (not without our share of moments - can still remember learning about an infield fly after it happened) and by the end of my first season I was hooked. 

 

I've spent the time since either coaching, on a BOD, behind the dish or all of the above within the LL program. About 5 years ago, a fellow BOD member got me into a competitive association and it's been the greatest thing for me. It's not been about the money since I needed it for beer way back when, as much as it is about having the opportunity to be 'in the game'. I been know to agree that, "behind the dish is the best seat in the house."

 

Anyway - I'm coming on board here to gain further perspective and insight to hopefully continue to improve 'my game' and maybe share some of my own knowledge/experiences with anyone who will listen.

 

So again, Hello!

[FlaUmp22]

Welcome to the site! You will definitely learn a lot from this site. It is an invaluable tool to expanding your knowledge of the profession!

[blue23ll]

Hi, and welcome from a former NorCal guy!  Just wondering what does all that alphabet soup stuff mean? Like NCOA,  AllWorld, NSA & PGF?

[Just-Call-It]

Sorry... 

NFHS - National Federation of High School Associations

NCOA - Northern California Officials Association

ASA - Amateur Softball Association

AllWorld - All World Sports

NSA - National Softball Association

PGF - Premiere Girls Fastpitch

[JaxRolo]

Welcome 4 Balls!!!

[mstaylor]

Welcome to the board.<br /><br />Sent from my C771 using Tapatalk 2<br /><br />

[iankelleyumpire]

Welcome Welcome! Always glad when new people join. You can pick up so much from here right from the get-go! 

[bluejerred]

Welcome to the site!  Many good teachers and mentors here! I've learned a lot!