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Originally Posted by WestMichBlue
To counter all the "Hooray" posts I offer this negative one. Well, maybe not negative, but more "cautionary."
Unless the clinic is in your area, you are going to spend $200 - $300 for fees, travel, lodging, meals, etc. That is a lot of games to work for free IF you don't get value from the clinic.
I attended one clinic several years ago; I was so angry at it that I left and went home a day early. Too bad I didn't have this post to guide me back then.
1. Expectations. You get your early training at ASA District and State Clinics, then (rightfully) assume you can really advance by attending a national clinic. But if too many rookies drag down the clinic, what you receive is going to be less than anticipated. You have to temper your expectations, and be satisfied with the few nuggets of new and valuable information and techniques that you did not know before.
2. Number of attendees. NUS recommends an attendee/clinician ration of 25:1. The clinic I attended had over 50:1. That is a lot less reps you will get in the mechanics drills. I can remember leaving a line, going to the restroom, and returning to my place in line still not near the training station. You might want to hold off registering until the last minute and see if you can find out how may registrations they have.
The problem is not ASA or the NUS, but the local organization that is hosting the clinic. The clinic I attended drew attendees from a 150 mi radius; they were experienced umpires willing to spend some buck to learn more. But the majority of attendees were from the local area, and several of them were first year umpires. The local association was using the NUS for their training that year!
I suspect that sponsoring a NUS is a fund raising endeavor for the host organization. The more attendees, the more money raised. They should be forced to either cut off registrations when they reach the 25:1 ratio - or hire additional clinicians. If they don't, you get buried in the numbers!
Be cautious.
WMB
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I knew this post was coming and there is nothing inaccurate about it. Everything is correct. Too many schools are used as training for umpires who are not at this level yet which is a bad thing. The problem should be addressed locally and if a newer umpire is in attendence, they should be instructed to keep their ears open and mouths shut. Any questions should be taken aside.
It is not that they shouldn't be addressed, but addressed at a time that will not drag down the training for the experienced umpires.
ASA should demand the limit be met and there is no reason to not. At one point in time, National schools were rotated among the regions. Now, a region can hold a schools any year they please as long as the NUS can accommodate them. If an area has that much of a demand, they can easily restrict the number of attendees and conduct another school the following year.
The money thing is somewhat of an issue, but you also need to understand that the school must at least break even. If they can get enough help from local hotels, restaurants & venues, that is a big plus.