2009 advanced FP camp

[ronald]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Ronald,

So, how did you like the camp? Was it what you expected? Do you think you gained anything from it?

Overall, I enjoyed the camp, instructors and fellow umps. For me, the best part was the attitude and availability of the instructors. They made it a point to tell us they were there for us and to ask questions and gain as much info and wisdom from them. They surpassed that standard IMO and I took advantage to talk with them about mechanics or softball. Malcolm Boyles is passionate about softball and umpiring and enjoys discussing it and you often saw him talking about some topic related to softball with a small group of umpires. The staff realized that changes need to be made to parts of the first 2 days. A pertinent example concerns the DVD. Most umps had already seen it and so that could have been skipped.

We received a schedule of the events for the 2 days of instruction so we knew what to expect. So those expectations were met but there was a couple of little things I had not heard before. For example, no need for a strong sell hammer on every strike. The verbal is the sell. Do a hammer like Keith Kerney and you nailed it. On the third stike, Julie likes you to look at the area where the ball was caught, and after the punch out or bow out, make sure you square up again. Kevin and Julie thoroughly covered plate mechanics, stance/timing/tracking/set up, etc. I had hoped for a deeper discussion and guidance concerning interference/obstruction and things to look for to assist in calling this.

I gained a better appreciation and understanding for the staff who dedicate their time to improving umpires. I had been to the National School earlier and given the number of students, the staff was overwhelmed with everything they were trying to accomplish. It was much easier to see and sense how the staff enjoys teaching and assisting umps in a smaller group.
They are more relaxed and energized. 75-100 students is way too many, unless you get 10 or so NUS there.

The fields at the complex are set down from the stands. This allows those who want to study umpiring a perfect view to see plays develop and how umps move. There were some who thought it was impossible to go in on a hit to right field. I saw a couple of instances where an ump did it and a couple where they did not. It is possible. I can put that in my experience and be assured that I can get in when the play happens. I used to do it automatically and will have to retrain myself on that one.

That's enough writing

Ron