Menomonie (OnFocus) – Softball and baseball umpires looking to hone their craft have an upcoming opportunity in Menomonie.
Clinic details:
Date: April 21st, 2021, 3:45-6:45
Place: Menomonie HS, 1715 5th St., or Wakanda Park, 909 Pine Ave. TBD based on weather
The clinic will be conducted by WIAA Master Level Umpires: Mike De Wyre, Dan Hoffman, Chuck Morning, Eric Harmon, Zac Campbell, Nic Been
We will have classroom discussion, and time working outdoors in “game-like” situations and application of rules and practice of mechanics, along with “live” work with the Menomonie High School softball & baseball teams.
Fee per participant is $30. Light snacks and bottled water will be provided.
For registration use this link Registration Form. Bring payment to the clinic.
Contact Nic Been with questions, [email protected] or 715-418-0821
Softball & Baseball Umpires Clinic Outline:
3:40 – Check-in
3:45 – Classroom Discussion
4:15 – Live Field and Plate work (in gyms or outdoors) in collaboration with MHS Softball & Baseball Teams
6:15 – Classroom Q/A
6:45 – Clinic Concluded
Topics Overview (see p2 for more details)
General Information: uniform, equipment, rules, situations, contracts/communication, 2021 meeting folder
Mechanics/Positioning: plate, base, strike zone, rundowns, illegal pitches, etc.
Umpire Etiquette: professionalism, teamwork, responsibilities, pre/post game, communication
DISCLAIMER
Any official who attends a clinic and completes the requirements successfully will be given credit for 1 varsity contest if he/she is a L4, L5, or Master official, or will be allowed to advance one level in classification if he/she is a L0, L1, L2, or L3 official. Officials must meet all the requirements of the advanced classification level, including being licensed on time. These privileges apply only to their classification in basketball. Advancement or game credit will be given when the official renews their license for the 2021-22 school year. Reminder: Camp attendance DOES NOT exempt them from the sport meeting requirement (to be available soon on the WIAA website) or the exam requirement (currently available on the WIAA website).
General Information
Uniform (Powder or Navy Blue Shirt, Charcoal Grey Pants, Navy Blue Hat, Black Belt, Ball Bag, Black Shoes)
Additional Equipment (Mask, Indicator, Chest Protector, Shin Guards, Protective Cup, Plate Brush)
Rules Knowledge Review: The NFHS Rules Book, Case Book, Umpire Manual
Mechanics
Out/Strike (3 levels)
Non-Verbal – Everyone knows the call, you just confirm
Verbal/Signal – Your judgment (used 75% of the time)
Sell – Loudly verbally call/sell (in the field, briefly pause, quick “mind replay”, then SELL)
Safe (3 levels) – same as Out/Strike.
Plate Mechanics
What is the Strike Zone (Strike zone for different levels of play, although, technically the same realistically different.) Be methodical (Same repetitive movements)
Slot position (Get in the slot – best view) Stance The key is to have a “locked” position. Head Height. Align on the plate. Athletic Stance (Back Straight, Hand Position, etc.) Ball Tracking (Follow with eyes, not your head – then make the call wait til it hits the glove, then call) Consistency.
Strike (When to use verbal “strike” when to just signal, how to sell the strike and how often to sell)
The Count – Give every other pitch. The higher the level, the less you need to give the count. Stop Signal. Play Ball Signal. Dead Ball/Foul Ball. Close plays and plate positioning.
Infield Fly Signal (On/Off) Illegal/Legal pitches.
Base Mechanics
A, B, C
Move to improve (Angle over Distance. Go for the angle over getting closer to the play) Stop moving while making the call. A – Inside/Out (Fly ball coverage) B/C – Allow players to get their spot 1st, then get yours (Talk with players) Safe on pulled foot (Signal Safe, then signal “Side Swipe”)
How to cover rundown situations.
Umpire Etiquette
Professionalism, Communication, Punctuality – 30 Minutes is preferred and standard protocol.
Never disagree publicly with your partner (you are the only 2 people on YOUR team! Stick Together) Pre-Game Discussion with Partners.
Responsibilities (3rd base, fair/foul, fly balls)
Communication/Signals: Special plays you’ve seen. Pick something you want to get better @ each game. Verbally communicate/point during plays. How to get count from partner (Base Ump) How to get help on a check swing (Base ump, do not offer help until asked) If umpires need help or disagree, call a conference – give all available information, let the umpire who made the call change the call. Otherwise the call stands, and the umpires stand together with the call!
We welcome your stories! Contact us at [email protected]!
Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
