ASA Nationals
 

Anyone going to a ASA National this year. I just got the invite to U12A in Portland, OR. Man I am so pumped I can hardly contain myself.

Bugg

Congrats..If this is your first one...

Be early for everything.

Listen to your UIC

Listen to the more senior umpires

HUSTLE

I am going the the 16A's in Sioux Falls.

It should be some pretty good ball. I have had some of the teams that are going and it will be a lot of fun.

Me too
 

I am doing 12's in Sacramento, Ca. It's my first.....

Having been to more than a few Nationals, here is my advice.
Make contact with some of the other umpires beforehand
Be early for everything.
Be ready for everything.
Have your gear ready and then check it again then when you think you have everything packed, check it again.
Go with a attitude of having a very good time and looking for some good ball.
LISTEN TO YOUR UIC, even if at first you might disagree at first.
In the umpires meeting listen to all that is said even though you might think you already know the answer.
Have some nice dress clothes ready for the coaches and umpires meeting, your UIC should tell you what is expected ahead of time.
Don't show up in shorts and sandals!! I personally suggest that you not wear cutoffs at anytime during your stay at the tournament, even at the hotel.
Clean and neat is the idea.
Remember you were chosen for a reason and this is your chance to show your skills.
Don't think that maybe the tournament is beneath you.
I was once selcted to work a 10U Girls National after having gone to an 18A and the Women's Open SP which had followed the Armed Forces Championship.
Working down in level does indeed lead to better things, they might need you as a leader, be ready to lead if called upon.

I got my start in NCAA ball after having been seen by a D1 coach at a girls SP tournament.
People will notice you.

When a coach comes out to ask a question, LISTEN to them and get together with your partner(s). Make that decision as a group and let the appropriate ump make the call.

Finally, have a good time

Have a good time
Have a good time
Have a good time repeat as necessary.

Just as a final note, treat the players to the best game you can give, just like you want to have.

Oh yeah, HAVE A GOOD TIME.

Wish you were returning to Beaumont this year. However, understand. Good Luck in Sioux Falls.

Normal Illinois
 

I'm doing the 14 U in Normal, IL. It's my fifth (all of the sudden I need a drink). Checked the web site, they are up to almost 120 teams. It should be a great national.

Rachel, my daughter will be playing in the Sioux Falls tourny. I wished I could be there, but we live in TX and my son will be playing that week. You have any info on the tourny (how many teams, where from, etc.)

Bob,
congrats.
Just remember to treat that young lady running the umpire camp like she is a queen, because she is a tremendously fine lady — and makes a fine burger.

If you are doing the dish on the Bud field, treat your scorekeeper with all the respect due her, because they should clone her and use her for scorekeepers around the country. Plus, if you are kind to her, she will make sure you have plenty of ice cold water. Last year in that furnace, she was making sure I had a new ice cold one every inning.

If you are working the late game on Saturday, don't expect any food to be left at the "umpire banquet." I've never eaten there, but I've heard it's pretty good. ("Oh, I'd be happy to get you something from the bar," the waitress says. "Yes, some iced tea would be good," sez I. "Long Island or Electric?" sez she. "Sorry ma'am, I'm an alcoholic, I don't drink, and I'm going to Elmer's to get some breakfast." "Well, I could get you some peanuts." — actual dialogue from 2003)

And...don't forget your blue pants!

Being as the BUD field was being utilized, do we need to ask the type of COLD ONE you received every inning??

http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/er...smiley-004.gif

Good one Gary.

Well qcumpire I will be there in Normal, Ill with you.

Since it is Oregon, a more appropriate question might be whether that is a cold one or a smoked one. :eek: