What to expect for first time umpiring

[drog008]

In NY where I live, I have contacted everyone I need to contact to start umpiring and in Feb. everything starts. I was just wondering what you guys have experience when you have just started and what is the first thing you do when the officiating classes start. Should I wait and buy a lot of the equipment and where do you start off when and if you pass the class?

Thanks you very much

[kcg NC2Ablu]

Originally Posted by drog008

In NY where I live, I have contacted everyone I need to contact to start umpiring and in Feb. everything starts. I was just wondering what you guys have experience when you have just started and what is the first thing you do when the officiating classes start. Should I wait and buy a lot of the equipment and where do you start off when and if you pass the class?

Thanks you very much

Start going to a place like play it again sports and see what you can get for what you need to work as far as gear goes.... What softballl do you want to work? I am friends with the PONY UIC for NY and he is a great instructor.

[drog008]

Originally Posted by kcg NC2Ablu

Start going to a place like play it again sports and see what you can get for what you need to work as far as gear goes.... What softballl do you want to work? I am friends with the PONY UIC for NY and he is a great instructor.

I want to work ASA umpiring and that is who I have contacted and have let know im really interested. I have never heard of play it again sports. Where is that located?

[Steve M]

Originally Posted by drog008

In NY where I live, I have contacted everyone I need to contact to start umpiring and in Feb. everything starts. I was just wondering what you guys have experience when you have just started and what is the first thing you do when the officiating classes start. Should I wait and buy a lot of the equipment and where do you start off when and if you pass the class?

Thanks you very much

You'll probably be joining a local umpire chapter - it might help to find one soon. Some of the chapter members may be looking to upgrade their equipment and be willing to give or cheaply sell their old equipment. I'd look at that before buying new, at least for some items.

[Rachel]

The first thing you do is go out there and realize that it is harder than it looks. Expect to mess up on some rules and calls and forgive yourself. Just do what ever you can to learn from your mistakes.

Carry yourself with confidence but not arrogance.

Good luck - This is a lot of fun.

[Stu Clary]

Do you plan to work slow or fast pitch? Or both? You should go watch some umpires work and make notes about mechanics, maybe ask some questions.

[bigsig]

Study study study....know the rules. Knowledge will give you confidence. Then position. It's more important to have a good angle then to be close. Have fun & welcome!

[wadeintothem]

You dont have fall ball in your area? Seems to me if you dig a little bit you might could get your feet wet a little sooner.

Dont worry about "passing" the class. It doesnt work that way usually. You will "pass" the class. That is just training, not a pass or fail deal.

I would say try to get a starter set of equipment.. ie not TOO expensive, but decent. Go to ebay and get a starter set. The reason is: As you are exposed more and more you will start to see what equipment suits you. So within a few years you, if you stick it out, you will probably go through a few more sets until you settle on what works for you.. or perhaps even different sets for different levels (like I have).

Also, umpiring is tough stuff. You will hate it and its not for you or you will love it and it becomes a passion. You probably wont know that until you really goof something up good and are in the heat of battle over it.

Dont burn yourself out worry about that imposing rule book. Take that one slowly. KNowing the rules without knowing the reason behind the rule or how it should situationally apply does little for you. Review it, but dont stress on it.

Good luck!

[ASA/NYSSOBLUE]

Are you going to try high school ball? If so, see if the high school group in your area gives a new officials clinic of some kind....

check out here for your local hs group

and this is me behind the plate at the NY state school

good luck!

[drog008]

Originally Posted by ASA/NYSSOBLUE

Are you going to try high school ball? If so, see if the high school group in your area gives a new officials clinic of some kind....

check out here for your local hs group

and this is me behind the plate at the NY state school

good luck!

thanks for the information i do want to do high school but none of those groups are in the elmira area, the closest is binghamton and they wouldn't do anything with the Elmira area schools.

and nice picture

[bigsig]

Hay NYSSOBLUE, we were in the same class! I'm Jack from LI.


drog008 come down to LI, highest game fees in the country! Unfortunately, maybe the highest cost of living also.

[Stu Clary]

Originally Posted by Poosey

Find a mentor.

If you do, choose wisely.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Stu Clary

If you do, choose wisely.

Yeah. Look for the cup of a carpenter. It need not be made out of gold.