Quote:
Originally posted by kellerumps
FU,
Get us a date and we might be able to come over and help out, if that's okay with you.
I agree with Mike, keep newer umpires and "Seasoned" umpires separate.
The big thing I have seen all season is really poor plate mechanics. Spend alot of time teaching the new umpires to
1. Get their mask off
2. Get out from behind the catcher and trail the runner(When Applicable)
3. Get to the Circle(When Applicable)
4. Cover 3rd when applicable
5. COMMUNICATE COMMUNICATE COMMUNICATE
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I gotta add; #,s 2-5 need to be taught to old umpires also!
(most of us are pretty adept at getting our masks off!)
Mike's idea to not mix new umpires with veterans is very good. Besides the reasons he gave, the newer ones may wind up feeling intimidated by some of the old hands. I've seen several drop-outs where this may have occured. Don't overlook the knowledge and experience of the older group though, maybe partner old and new for some of the clinic.
One area which needs a lot of teaching for the newer guys are the game management skills. Some things which get overlooked in some clinics are; pre-game responsibilities, meeting with coaches, handling irate coaches or fans, when to eject and how, (also how to avoid having to eject). Some things as simple as where to enter and exit the field will confuse newer umpires.
Small groups IMO seem to benefit more than the larger ones also. Maybe this is where the experienced blues can help out most. Maybe have different small groups "compete" against each other in a mechanics "olympics".
Above all, as much as possible, AVOID LECTURES!