[bkbjones]

Do we have some clods in the Pacific Northwest? Absolutely.

HOWEVER...

All prospective new umpires:
Attend at least six 90-minute classroom sessions
Participate in gym/batting cage clinics where we have a strike zone frame so they get plenty of reps
Score at least 70% on the ASA and/or FED test(s)
Work at least two fast pitch and two slow pitch games with close, direct coaching by a member of our training committee (we try to do more COACHING than TEACHING at this point...they are expected to read, study and learn the umpire manual of the ASA book at least as much as the rule book)
Work at least six other games with an observer on hand to evaluate and offer immediate feedback

At that point they are released to work games at levels at which they can succeed.

We also require that transfers from other associations also go through the training program.

Is it foolproof? No. But...not only can it work, but it does work. We have well over 200 umpires in our association. In the past three years that we have been doing this, we have successfully trained and welcomed in about 75 new members.

Additionally, all umpires - rookies and vets - wishing to work FED ball at the varsity level or ASA championship ball (qualifiers, championships, etc.) are required to attend at least four of six general membership meetings at which training is the focus. We tackle no more than one or two topics per meeting. And, the vets have to make at least a 70 to work school ball, and at least a 75 to work ASA ball.

As I said, it doesn't eliminate all of the clods...BUT it helps.