Umpire Camps/Clinics

[James88]

I was hoping some of you could provide a recommendation for a good umpire camp or clinic.

I've done youth games for several years and have just completed my second year doing High School level games.  I'm 44 years old and have no desire/delusions of doing anything above the HS level.  However, I am somewhat a student of the game and want to be a good umpire.  I feel like I'm at a point where I need to get a little more detailed instruction on mechanics, situations, etc., so I can continue improving.

All that said, I'm looking for a 3-4 day camp.  I live in West Virginia and would obviously prefer to minimize travel distance.  I have seen the Southern Umpires camp in Atlanta which on the surface seems pretty good.  That's about a 7-8 hour drive for me and is certainly manageable.

So if you have any recommendations taking into account quality and length of the camp, driving distance, and cost, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks in advance - James

[Tksjewelry]

Although it's quite a distance, you might check out @MidAmUmp clinic. I know lots of local guys that have attended, have nothing but great things to say about it, and highly recommended it to me. 

http://www.midamericanumpireclinic.com/home.html

[BuckeyeMike]

I was in your situation a few years ago and this link was given to me.   I can't vouch for the accuracy, but at least it's a lead.

http://www.refereeumpireschool.com/camps-clinics-and-more-informations-2/

 

[GreyhoundAggie]

Although it's quite a distance, you might check out @MidAmUmp clinic. I know lots of local guys that have attended, have nothing but great things to say about it, and highly recommended it to me. 

http://www.midamericanumpireclinic.com/home.html

​I second this one. I have been to it and it is a ton of bang for your buck. You get to meet a lot of great instructors. I even got the chance to watch Jason work a college game locally when he came to my area.

I plan on going again this year and to pick up even more tidbits and further refine my mechanics.

If you are looking to defray cost you can split room cost with people as well. Tell them you are looking for a roomie and they will try and match you up.

 

 

[James88]

Thanks to all who replied.  I'll be sure to check out the Mid American Camp and the links provided at refereeumpireschool.com.

 

James

[indianaumpire15]

I went to Mid-American Clinic in 2013 from Indiana.  It was worth every penny.  The instruction is top notch.

[kylehutson]

I'm pretty much in your same situation (same experience & same age). I'm not able to go this fall to Mid-American, but am already making plans for 2016.

[RingEmUp]

I'm planning to go to the Jim Evans California Classic in San Diego in October.

I know its no where near WV but hey, it's San Diego.

Edited May 28, 2015 by RingEmUp

[bluejerred]

@RingEmUp, You might also check out the Black and Blue umpire camp in Riverside for Oct. 7-11.  I'm hoping to make it this year.  From my experiences with talking to Billy on the phone and some umpires here in Bakersfield that I respect giving their praises, it sounds like a helluva camp.

[Umpirechick1]

I just attended Southern Umpires Camp in February (a great Christmas present from my hubby!) and it was really good.  We had 2 pro instructors as well as 1 minor league instructor and they were all amazing!  I felt more prepared for this season than I ever have - and the timing was perfect as I made the move to HS ball this season.  It was held in the metro Atlanta area.

[James88]

Umpirechick1....thanks for the response.  I think I've decided the Southern Umpires Camp is the one I'll attend based on the positive reviews I've seen and the driving distance for me.  It's about 8 hours.

Anything especially good or bad about the camp you could mention?  Also, how late did you wait to sign up?  I'm generally the type that signs up for stuff way early but if some of the other guys on our Board go they may end up procrastinating.  I just want to make sure the class doesn't fill up.

Any tidbits you have would be great.  

Thanks - James

[ZebraStripes]

Keep this in mind

Sold out 32 consecutive years! We have students from across the United States; we will accept the first 72 student applications.

[James88]

ZebraStripes...I saw that.  Honestly that's one of the primary reasons I figured it must be a good camp.

[Umpirechick1]

@James88  I got it for a Christmas present, but hubby said he registered me for it in October.   They did take a few more than what the site said they would, but not many more.  That was probably the only "down side" for me was the extras, just because I felt like we got less time to do drills on the field trying to fit more people in.  It started on a Thursday night and ended on Sunday afternoon.  The classroom stuff was good - lots of information for levels of umpiring all across the board.  They went over coverage and who's supposed to do what in different situations.  We had cage time and called pitches and that was good.  You can choose to get a DVD of your cage time and the fungo drills.  I did and I'm glad - it's one thing to have someone critique you and hear it, but it's totally different when you see what they're talking about.  Fungo drills were probably one of my favorite things - it makes you think and you get to work on what you've been learning.  I was able to make some adjustments based on that and it's made a huge difference this season!  There are a few pro instructors - this year we had Paul Nauert and Ted Barrett - they were both informative and helpful - funny too!  I definitely recommend it.

[James88]

Umpirechick1 - thanks for the info.  I really do appreciate it.  

I have to kick it around a little more, but I'll probably end up attending the Southern Umpires Camp.

James

[Majordave]

NCAA D1 CWS Umpire Jeff Henrichs is hosting an umpire clinic at Haymarket Park in Lincoln, NE next week, June 10-13. Cost $125. 

This clinic is for college level umpires wanting to move up but depending on attendance other levels may be accepted  

For Info Contact Jeff@championshipfundraising.com

flyer says classroom, field and plate work and emphasis on 3 man with college level assigners being in attendance. 

I have been to two clinics with Jeff as lead instructor. He is a fantastic and very personable teacher of umpiring. 

Other D1 level umpire will be there although not named other than Billy Haze. 

[Tksjewelry]

NCAA D1 CWS Umpire Jeff Henrichs is hosting an umpire clinic at Haymarket Park in Lincoln, NE next week, June 10-13. Cost $125. 

This clinic is for college level umpires wanting to move up but depending on attendance other levels may be accepted  

For Info Contact Jeff@championshipfundraising.com

flyer says classroom, field and plate work and emphasis on 3 man with college level assigners being in attendance. 

I have been to two clinics with Jeff as lead instructor. He is a fantastic and very personable teacher of umpiring. 

Other D1 level umpire will be there although not named other than Billy Haze. 

​Damn! That would be cool to attend! Wish I could but UIC would hunt me down and shoot me if I wasn't on the field that Thursday and Friday. 

If anyone is planning to attend and wants to work some games the next week to help pay for it, we're definitely in need of some umpires. Plenty of great baseball slots open. 

[breasons91]

Gentleman-

I have been relocated for work and will not be able to go to the Southern Umpires Camp this year that I have already registered for. If you are wanting to go I can transfer my spot to you and will also give you a discount. I paid for an out of town student, which includes housing for the 3 nights, total cost (445) and have already paid the (345 deposit). I will transfer my spot to you for 250 which will give you a $95 dollar discount on camp tuition. You will still owe the remaining 100 when checking in for camp. Please email me or PM me at breasons91@gmail.com if interested. Thanks guys

Link to camp website: http://baseballumpirecamps.com/page/southern