I have offered to assign umpires for our local rec league. I have umpired for them for the past 4 years (this will make 5). All of the umpires besides me have had no formal training, they are all just players off of the high school team. It is unfortunate because we live in a small town and funds are not readily availiable to pay certified umpires, so we must live with what we have. However, I want to try and change that a little if I can. I'd like to have a 1 day mini clinic (probably on a saturday morning) and go over some basics with them. Just curious as to what topics you would cover if I gave you 3 hours to impart softball umpiring knowledge on them. Any and all input would be greatly appreciated.

-J

Not sure what level games your umps will work although here are some of my BASIC coverage ideas (you decide order and additions for coverage):
Plate and field ump positions; proper mechanics (strike, out, fair, foul, etc); personal appearence (uniform or what you authorize-I don't like sweat pants, shorts, "goofy" tee shirts, etc as they display poor appearence); fair/foul balls (position of ball/not player) and of course all rules in general; how to deal with loud coaches/crowds; being consistant with calls and not making calls too quickly (I was taught: see it/process it/call it).
I could go on and on as I have conducted some clinics for Little League umps ages 11 thru 17.
General suggestion: Get them excited about calling a proper and professional game (be confident not "cocky").
It is great to see youngsters wanting to learn how to umpire (I am always looking to improve my umpiring skills).
Hope this helps!

LBR comes to mind. Maybe when you set up the clinic you could ask each of them if they have anything they feel they need to go over. Brian