Advice on website

[NCASAUmp]

Hey, guys,

I've been tossing around the idea of putting together a website, but I haven't quite decided how I want to format it. My goal is to provide advice and resources to the newer umpire, being an educational tool (and hopefully not an absolute "tool" in doing so) for those who don't know how or where to begin.

I plan on having links to various resources (places to buy uniforms, equipment, etc.), as well as discuss the "little things" that help to build a better umpire (maintaining your uniform, getting the right gear, etc.). As I run out of "basics," I plan on going into other topics, such as how to handle discussions with coaches, the importance of positioning, and so on.

The site is not meant to be the end-all, be-all for training an umpire. The importance of local trainings and clinics will always be emphasized, and this forum will definitely get its plug.

The thing I can't decide is what format would work better: a structured website that's more of an organized manual, or a blog that's more free-form to bring up discussions at random. What say you all? If you were a new umpire, which format would you rather see?

And hey, it's been a while since we've had a poll here!

[wadeintothem]

Hmm.. 4 years and I didnt even know you could do a poll on this website.

[Dakota]

Both... a reference section and a blog for opinion, commentary, news, etc.

[CajunNewBlue]

Dude, Build it and "they" ermm..I will come.

[ukumpire]

Originally Posted by Dakota

Both... a reference section and a blog for opinion, commentary, news, etc.

That's the One

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by Dakota

Both... a reference section and a blog for opinion, commentary, news, etc.

Anything like this site? Seems to have become stagnant lately.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

Anything like this site? Seems to have become stagnant lately.

Well, that's not exactly what I'm going for. I've written a few pages already (VERY rough draft), and perhaps I could give you guys a link those so you can have a clearer picture of what I was referring to.

However, the blog idea that came to mind was more from a concept of making sure I updated on a regular basis, giving the visitor something new to look at and consider. For example, if something comes up during my nightly games, bring it up on the blog (in an appropriate manner, of course).

Like I've said in the past, when I first started (at age 15), I had virtually no one to mentor me other than my father (who only umpired as a volunteer and was never sent to any rules clinics). He helped a lot, but I was still largely unguided for a number of years before someone else came along and took me under her wing for a while. Until then, I was simply unaware of the importance of the little things: shining up my shoes (which I now do before every night I call games - yes, really), having the exact uniform (Fechheimer instead of Dockers), keeping my shirt's buttons from turning purple, and even how to keep my hat looking sharp (instead of buying new ones every few months after washing them a few times would ruin them). These are things that come as second nature to most of us now, but may not seem so obvious to a new blue on the field.

The site would be meant for someone either starting out as an umpire, or someone who lacks guidance (ie., a volunteer umpire in a rural area that doesn't provide enough opportunities to grow as an umpire). Perhaps it's just my way of contributing to the field (I hope, anyway), or perhaps it's my way of repenting my sins as a young blue. It'd be a meager contribution, certainly not meant to compete with this forum.

The blog idea also has the added potential of collaboration with other umpires, which can be a blessing if I start running low on material. However, I'd like it to be a one-stop-shop to help bring umpires up.

[CajunNewBlue]

maybe a one-stop-site.... that was sorted by NFHS, ASA, Pony, NCAA...etc. Of course, that might be too big of a job for one guy?

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by CajunNewBlue

maybe a one-stop-site.... that was sorted by NFHS, ASA, Pony, NCAA...etc. Of course, that might be too big of a job for one guy?

That'd be way too big of a job for one guy who only calls ASA.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

Well, that's not exactly what I'm going for. I've written a few pages already (VERY rough draft), and perhaps I could give you guys a link those so you can have a clearer picture of what I was referring to.

Actually, that was more of a dig at Tom.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

Actually, that was more of a dig at Tom.

Oh. Oops.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

Actually, that was more of a dig at Tom.

mmmm, what? Somebody say something????

Oh, guess not.

[NCASAUmp]

Well, I've gotten some of the basics down on the website thus far. Feel free to take a look and see thus far what I've created.

http://softball.whispers.org/

Keep in mind that it's a VERY basic outline of what I want to do, and I'm probably not even 1/10th of where I want it to be.

Also, if I screwed anything up on the site, let me know as well.