I started umpiring, unofficially, at age 12...I used to play little league bseball at 6:00 and then go over to softball and call the 8:00 game for my sister (older, but not by much).
I then called baseball when I was 13, 14, and 15 years old. I used to work solo, because no one else would want to do the game (league never scheduled umpires, just looked for two "dads" out of the stands). I guess a 5'11" 210 pound 14 year old is the same as a dad. I usually only umped my brother's games, which was fun in itself.
When 19 I started doing IHSAA and ASA ball...I didn't really have any training, except past experiences. I "cut my teeth" in ASA on men's A fastpitch...guys who can really bring the ball and make it dance (my first year a guy was clocked at 99mph). I learned by fire...had an older guy who would help "get my head out of my a$$" as he put it (THANKS KEN). Really wished I had someone to help me along when I was younger.
WHile in college, I helped out a youth league in the summer. They had a Junior Umpires Program, where kids (always older than the age group the were working) would call the bases. The first time a kid worked a game, I would meet them and discuss positioning, etc, before the game. Then I would stay near the first base line for conferences between innings IF THEY HAD QUESTIONS. Post game, I'd buy them a hot dog and a Pepsi and discuss the game. We had a great time. They would come out and watch when they weren't working, and I'd talk to them about what happened, where umpire should go, what they should look for, etc. It really worked.
The key was the kids really wanted to be good at what they did...so they asked questions.
In Indiana we actually hold a One-Day Youth Umpire School in conjunction with our ASA Two-Day Umpire School. I've taught the youth school for two years now. I'm amazed at the abilities of the kids, especially the ones who have played the game before. There a several umpires across this country who have worked for 20 years that I wouldn't take to a game...every last one of these kids (including the 11 year old) I'd take to any game, any level. They really want to learn and get better. Plus they have that athleticism thing working for them...which always helps.
As a way of saying it the long way, your plan sounds good. The toughest thing to do in adulthood is be a parent of a teenager...sound like you have a great one...and I agree, reading your posts, you really know this game...a great resource for ANYONE!
|