Wendelstedt Online Course

[Shawn0331]

Is anyone else thinking about doing this?  https://www.umpireschoolprep.com/

[Replacematt]

40 minutes ago, Shawn0331 said:

Is anyone else thinking about doing this?  https://www.umpireschoolprep.com/

Now I am.

[Shawn0331]

I just signed up for it.  Couldn't hurt right?

[SJA]

So how's the Online course going? Is it tough? 

[BT_Blue]

@Matt and @Shawn0331

Did you guys take the course?? How was it?

[Biscuit]

Semi related, anyone from UE headed to school this year? Last minute I decided to go for it, so I'll be leaving in a week!

[stevis]

I signed up for it, and I'm enjoying it.  It is pitched at the possibility that you have never umpired a game in your life, but getting into enough advanced techniques that I'm getting something out of it.  I wouldn't say it's tough, but I've always been a good book learner/quiz taker.

I do wish we had a little more discussion of edge cases of stuff like interference and obstruction, and a little less on the fences needing to be minimum 400' away.  I think with another pass, the material could run a little more smoothly (there are a number of relevant MLB clips embedded, and they are good examples, but letting then run through six replays of the case while the announcer is repeating the patently wrong thing dilutes the value--at least add your own commentary track.)  I think the stuff about their school style would prep you well for going and the hints about things they key on in their evaluation make a nice "cheat sheet" if you want to stand out and buck for a recommendation.

I did have a nice discussion with the instructor (everyone got 30 minutes if they wanted it), and he was very welcoming of me as a Little League guy, not someone who is likely to ever come down to the school.  We had good discussion of the different challenges I face vs. guys bucking for D1 or the minor league jobs, and the challenges of teaching umpires.

So I'm glad I did it, would recommend it if they offer it again, don't think there would be repeat value.

[Replacematt]

7 hours ago, BT_Blue said:

@Matt and @Shawn0331

Did you guys take the course?? How was it?

I chose not to. Too much stuff going on in real-life. I'm in a competitive MBA program and over the course that the, well, course* was happening, I had two finals and two group papers. Also add that the business that I support as their finance guy is being legally merged on January 1, and it's more than a full plate.

*"Please allow myself to introduce...myself."

[maven]

4 hours ago, Matt said:

I'm in a competitive MBA program

So many questions about this.

How do they determine who wins?

What's the penalty for losing? I'm assuming death.

[BT_Blue]

8 hours ago, maven said:

What's the penalty for losing? I'm assuming death.

I mean. There really are only two options here, right?

[Replacematt]

On 12/24/2020 at 2:17 PM, maven said:

So many questions about this.

How do they determine who wins?

What's the penalty for losing? I'm assuming death.

There's a grain of truth underlying what you said. At this point, death would probably be preferable. The program is curved and a C- can get you dismissed.

[Shawn0331]

@Biscuit that is awesome that you went to the school last minute.  Try to keep us updated on how it is going.  Yes I did complete the Wendelstedt Online Prep Course and I found it to be VERY beneficial especially since last year was my first year ever umpiring.   The course goes over the entire rulebook but also goes over the mechanics of the two umpire system.  The mechanics portion was probably the most beneficial for me simply because It seems that a lot of umpires have little understanding of proper mechanics so gaining information from a professional school will help me do the right thing and hopefully help others I work with to do the same.  Also I agree with pretty much everything @stevis said.  I would recommend it to anyone and I assume if they do it again next year it will only get better!  

[SJA]

How many people were in the Online Class? Did everyone pass?

[Biscuit]

On 1/4/2021 at 12:22 PM, Shawn0331 said:

@Biscuit that is awesome that you went to the school last minute.  Try to keep us updated on how it is going.  Yes I did complete the Wendelstedt Online Prep Course and I found it to be VERY beneficial especially since last year was my first year ever umpiring.   The course goes over the entire rulebook but also goes over the mechanics of the two umpire system.  The mechanics portion was probably the most beneficial for me simply because It seems that a lot of umpires have little understanding of proper mechanics so gaining information from a professional school will help me do the right thing and hopefully help others I work with to do the same.  Also I agree with pretty much everything @stevis said.  I would recommend it to anyone and I assume if they do it again next year it will only get better!  

2 days into instruction, it's going well! Pretty tired by the end of the days, but having a great time.

[The Short Umpire]

15 minutes ago, Biscuit said:

2 days into instruction, it's going well! Pretty tired by the end of the days, but having a great time.

That’s awesome! So stoked for you! 

[CenTex Tiger]

Interested in taking one or both of the clinics in March, but need to inquire about time commitments. Would be useful if that was communicated on their website.