ASA National Umpire School

[DeputyUICHousto]

I've been taught by all three of the staff members you'll have an you'll learn a great deal from them. I do agree that you will get out of it what you put in...but that's umpiring. And I also agree that staying in the host hotel will make the experience that much better.

Good luck!

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by shipwreck

I have an opportunity to attend this National Umpire School in Nebraska. I have never attended a National School before. I have umpired for about 16 years. It is 25 miles away. I believe I have read on this forum that they are a great experience. Just wondered what everyones' feelings are on this. Here is the staff: Jim Craig from Amherst NY, Dave Epperson from Topeka KS, and Walt Sparks from San Antonio TX. Thanks, Dave

Just want to add that all three you named are excellent technicians, excellent clinicians, and great individuals to work with. If you dislike any of the three at this school, I would almost have to say it was you, not them.

[Angler]

I was with SRW (and other great umpires from the Northwest) at the 2007 National Fast Pitch Camp in Cumming, GA. It's the best thing I ever did for my umpiring career (except maybe tell Lori Bish I wanted to work college ball). When else do you get to be evaluated by Kevin Ryan and other NUS? Go with the expectation of learning something valuable, and you will.

[DeputyUICHousto]

We are referencing two different umpire clinics here and some may be confused. One is the NUS which is a National Umpire School. The other is the Advanced Camp. The OP was for a National Umpire School and not the Advanced Camp.

[DaveASA/FED]

I attended a NUS this year in OH. I am going to attend another in 2009, since it's in my state if I only knew last year we were hosting one this year! Anyway, I agree with alot of the comments here.

The real answer is if you go with your head on straight you will learn something. I have never gone anywhere and not learned something, it might be what not to do, or just a refresher that yep you are doing xyz correctly.

The amount you will learn depends on your past. Have you attended other schools? Were they patterned after the NUS? Did you pay attention during those, and learn and incorporate the learnings in your umpiring?

My personal experience was ok with the school. BUT, I, like many others in other states, have an unfair advantage. We have had VERY good state schools, and a member of the NU Staff has been at the majority of the state schools that I have attended in my career. Our state schools have been the same drills same points of emphsis as the NUS. That was a sort of let down to me, in that I felt like I had driven all that way, spent $$ on clinic and hotel room etc. for what I could have gotten 15 miles away from my house! BUT now again having your mind on right is key, and knowing you can always learn something is important. I learned several things at that clinic, all "small" points but all worth my weekend trip and my $$. One small almost a joke comment from Kevin has helped me in my plate stance this past year, helped my knees a TON. Nothing I hadn't heard before, but reprased in a way that made a light come on for me and helped me do what I had been attempting to but had been feeling awkward till then. And BTW his comment was to someone else about their stance, not me....so my #1 take away was something that I overheard being said to someone else, so bottom line is pay attention and you WILL get your money out of the clinic, IMO!!

Also what others have said it is a great chance to be seen by the "powers" that be and to get to know them and them to know you, having a face with the name helps a lot and also if you can manage to do something right during the drills doesn't hurt either! that must be my problem...

[MNBlue]

Originally Posted by DaveASA/FED

One small almost a joke comment from Kevin has helped me in my plate stance this past year, helped my knees a TON. Nothing I hadn't heard before, but reprased in a way that made a light come on for me and helped me do what I had been attempting to but had been feeling awkward till then.

And the comment was ...?

[DaveASA/FED]

He was working with someone trying to get them to get the wider heal to toe stance, paraphrasing but general idea:

Your plate stance is simple, its just like sitting on a barstool, then you lean forward a little bit to grab your beer. Only difference is the height of that bar stool changes with each batter.

Funny thing is I don't drink, but there was something in that description that has helped my stance become more comfortable. Can't really tell you what I am doing different but something has changed since i got that visual in my head and it feels a lot better.