Attending 1st ASA Nat'l. School

[MA Softball Ump]

Originally Posted by cgaumpire

I also feel the host organization is critical in making the school a success. Having attended two different National schools in Texas ... I am very interested in attending an advanced FP camp in the next few years. It is alot of money and time, just wondered who has been there and done that, is it worth a week of vacation time, $400 not including hotel and food?

This last year I attended BOTH Advanced NUS - The Innaugural Slow Pitch camp in GA, and the FP Camp in CA. They were really benificial, a lot of work, and I would (will) do it again when I get $ saved up. I HIGHLY recommend them. Most of the food was included.

As far as the regular NUS classes that are run by the locals, I still find them a good refresher to get me back up out of the winter hibernation mode.

[WestMichBlue]

Originally Posted by MA Softball Ump

As far as the regular NUS classes that are run by the locals, I still find them a good refresher to get me back up out of the winter hibernation mode.

I can't see spending a couple hundred bucks and a weekend of my time for a "refresher." (Even more this year as there are none closer than 600 mi.) I can attend the ASA District and ASA State clinics for free and "wake up from winter." And our local association puts on several hours of rules and mechanics training for the upcoming NFHS season.

The FP Camp may be well worth the time, but I would have a hard time spending $1,000 to $1,200 for an umpire camp.

Just my opinion.

WMB

[SRW]

Originally Posted by WestMichBlue

... I would have a hard time spending $1,000 to $1,200 for an umpire camp.

Just my opinion.

In your opinion, at what cost would make the camp a benefit to you?

[WestMichBlue]

Originally Posted by SRW

In your opinion, at what cost would make the camp a benefit to you?

If I lived in northern GA and didn't have to spend $7-$800 in travel and housing, the $400 camp fee might be worth it to me.

If I were younger and ambitious and wanted to climb the ladder and could make $4K or $5K in FP umpiring, then the $1,200 cost is justified.

But at my age (66), I am not going anywhere other than to call a full (50 game) slate of H.S. games and a few summer tournaments. With a FP income of $2K (less expenses) I cannot justify that kind of camp money.

As noted, I can keep myself current and up to date with local training. Starting Sunday, I will spend more than 20 hours in class or in the gym in NFHS or ASA clinics. Total cost: $20 plus some gas.

WMB

A point of comparative reference. I can spend a weekend (F-S-S) at a volleyball camp at a college in Michigan. Several hours of classroom rules work, some court demonstrations, and a dozen or more matches called for high school teams that are also on campus that weekend. College trained officials available all day to mentor and provide evaluations. Total cost: $50 plus $15/night to stay in the dorms. (If you are like me and haven't stayed in a dorm for 40+ years, that is an interesting experience! Interesting, not pleasant!)