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Baseball is our National Pastime. As such, we all own it, play it and mold it to fit our needs in whatever space that we plop down our base props to form a make-shift baseball diamond. Early rules knowledge is often formed by bouts of “ah-ha”, “na-ah. Whatever is decided one time may very well change the next. As a result, we seldom learn the real rules. Many graduate from sandlot ball and play the game in a more organized setting. Some of us move on to high school ball (NFHS rules), American Legion ball (ALB rules), college ball (NCAA rules) or perhaps even some level of pro ball. Each brand of baseball has it's own variation of the rules. Some play softball, which introduces still other rule versions (USSSA, ASA, NSA, NFHS, NCAA and others) that influence our knowledge of the rules. These experiences form a very personal blend that I refer to as the rules we grew up with. |
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When our children decide they want to play baseball, we as parents try to assure a good experience and volunteer to help. We assume there are experienced managers in the program who will guide and orchestrate our efforts but we soon find out, they are us. Baseball programs supply the facilities and structure but rely on parents to volunteer and lead the activities. Many of us are willing but the diverse baseball experience we bring to the field sometimes leads to confusion. We never felt compelled to really know baseball but now we are given the responsibility to teach it to our children. All of a sudden, getting to understand the rules becomes a bit more compelling. I've been there, done that. I know the feeling, all the feelings. I experienced them during my early years and then, as league chairperson and on to program commissioner, I witnessed the same thing year after year. As an umpire, I continue to see it year after year, program after program. For the last twenty-plus years I have been helping baseball programs improve their game quality by ending much of the diversity among their umpires, managers and coaches. I have seen programs blossom through better understanding. Yes, umpires will still blow judgment calls from time to time but at least, everyone is playing by the same set of rules. For those of you thinking about umpiring, I offer this — no one gets to view the game the way we do. Fans do not see the subtle details an umpire looks for. It's been said that umpiring is the best seat in the house — except you have to stand. If you go on to umpiring, it is likely you will never view the game as a fan again. It's kinda like switching to HDTV. Whatever your goal in recreation baseball, I hope that this site and/or the training I offer, will help you get there. Mark
Swiss Training
for you Umpire Survival Training consists of two separate workshops, a Rules Workshop and an Umpiring Workshop:
Feedback on the training is very positive. As I end the live workshops, I ask attendees (both new and experienced managers, coaches and umpires) to complete a brief anonymous critique form with their honest feedback. I believe the responses to two key questions are most noteworthy. When asked (on a scale of 1 [poor] to 10 [best-it-could-be]):
The
Move to DVD We have now taken the instruction segments in studio. We experimented and tweaked the process until we developed an efficient method that allows us to present the information effectively, without a need for heavy editing and visual breaks. Unfortunately, the advancements have pushed our scheduled Spring 2010 release back. We would rather present a great product a little late than a mediocre product on time. The new Umpire Survival Training DVDs will likely not be available for release until the Fall of 2010. This presents a saving opportunity for the current Rules Workshop DVDs. Since they will be phased out, we reduced the price 25%, from $39.95 to $29.95. Those who purchase the current Rules Workshop (workbook & DVDs) will be notified when the full Umpire Survival Training products are available and will be offered an additional upgrade discount at that time. We have been testing our method/technology with a shorter DVD release entitled"The Most Misunderstood Rules of Baseball" which should be available by April, 2010. This will give you a preview of the new presentation mode that will be applied to the upcoming Umpire Survival Training release. I encourage you to check back here for updates later in March. Those on our e-mail list will receive an e-mail notification when the products are available. Your
Training Needs I am happy to help people find their way to officiating. I have handled many inquiries and have compiled the answers for the majority of the questions or concerns that people have. Chances are the help you seek is located on the following page(s). To find out, please go to the appropriate area:. To learn about Personal Training Click Here
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copyright 2010, Mark Swiss / Central Maryland Umpires Office of Training and Umpire Development. All rights reserved. |
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