Movin' On

M. Efird · #1 (**permalink**) Sat Nov 10, 2001, 08:44pm

Hey, All!

I live in Alaska, and have Umpired at levels up through American Legion Varsity. We have a good but small group of officials up here that have been to the Jim Evan's academy in Fla. and love the sport and love passing their knowledge on to younger officials. Through these guys I've had most of my training and inspiration to continue on. I not only love the sport, but I believe that Umpiring is absolutly the best thing I do (although i'm certainly not the best).
I've been reading these forums a little while, and noticed from time to time that people talk about being in a (i cant remember the exact wording) "league" of umpires where they have to work their way up to varsity levels, and such. My question to u is...

I'm moving to Washington (seattle-ish)in May, and want to "dive right in", so is there anyone in that area on this forum that can tell me who to talk to?
Thanks for the help

bluezebra · #2 (**permalink**) Sun Nov 11, 2001, 03:24am

It would be a good idea to get letters of recommendation from the BODs of any associations you belong to in Alaska. That way you won't walk in totally out of the cold.

Bob

GarthB · #3 (**permalink**) Sun Nov 11, 2001, 12:43pm

The Seattle area's largest umpire association is the Northwest Baseball Umpires Association. They maintain a website at: http://www.NBUA.com

I'm sure they, like most umpires associations, can use an experienced, qualified and talented umpire. Bring letters of recommendation from your trainer and assigner. Letter's from coaches help as well.

But don't expect to be taken solely at your word. I believe the NBUA evaluates transfers closely to confirm the recommendations. You can't believe the number of mediocre and below umpires who transfer in to an association claiming to be Top Dogs and D-1 qualified. Those of us responsible for assigning need to know the REAL level of competency before we give new umpires a schedule.

PeteBooth · #4 (**permalink**) Mon Nov 12, 2001, 08:42am

[QUOTE]Originally posted by M. Efird

Hey, All!

I live in Alaska, and have Umpired at levels up through American Legion Varsity. I've been reading these forums a little while, and noticed from time to time that people talk about being in a (i cant remember the exact wording) "league" of umpires where they have to work their way up to varsity levels, and such. My question to u is...

I'm moving to Washington (seattle-ish)in May, and want to "dive right in", so is there anyone in that area on this forum that can tell me who to talk to?

Can't speak for Seattle (Garth gave you the link), but I can speak for NY. In NY your first three years (unless you come from a different area with experience and a letter of recommendation), you umpire strictly modified, Freshman and JV level. You get that rare Varsity game but it normally is one of the weaker games in which the vets pass on.

In additon, at least from my perspective, assignments are given based on who is most available and not necessarily the one who is the most qualified.

Example; I have already received my assignment sheet for me to list my availabilty for next season which starts in March. This is the earliest I have received it. In the memorandum from the assignor, it states, please fill in your prospective dates ASAP and also list which areas you can work in.

The less dates you fill in and the less areas in which you can work Have a Direct effect on the assignments you receive. For me it's virtually impossible to fill out with any degree of certainty, because my son plays LL and I do not have his schedule yet - heck sign ups were only last weekend. Therfore I will poke and hope and obviously have many a correction once I know my son's schedule. Family comes first

I mainly got HS certified in order to do Summer / Fall Ball where my availability increases, LL season is over and there is less politics. Therefore, Not only find out the HS connections but find out who assigns summer / Fall ball as well. Sometimes, the assignors for HS are not necessarily the same for Summer / Fall Ball. Seattle might be different from NY but you will find out soon.

Pete Booth

[Edited by PeteBooth on Nov 12th, 2001 at 07:50 AM]