Well, when I taught my son how to umpire, we started with the rule book. Each night he would read at least 3 sections, then we would discuss them.
Once he knew the rules, we went out to an empty field, and I taught him the base mechanics. We then worked 5 games together, with him on the bases. I had him paying close attention to me, when he wasn't making a call, and my game management. My wife also video taped him, so we could review the game later.
In between games, we went to local Minor league games, and spent most of the game watching and talking about what the umpires were doing, and why.
Then I took him out and taught him plate mechanics. My wife sat on a bucket like a catcher, so I could teach him how to work around the catcher.
Then I taught him the "Art of Calling Pitches", by watching games on TV and at the field.
Then I had him work two games behind the plate. Again, my wife video taped them for review. Then we started alternating working the plate and bases for the rest of the summer.
My son was a senior in HS, and becoming a certified Babe Ruth Umpire was his senior project. The following season, he started working JV HS level, and has turned it into quite an excellent money maker, while he is in college. He has also added basketball to his officiating.
The funny thing is, he had played baseball basically his entire life, and 'thought' he knew the rules, until he actually read them.
