ARIZONA UMPIRING ACADEMY
JANUARY 23-25, 2004 CLASS
GREAT JOB GUYS!
Don Rea giving individual attention and instruction to each student to maximize their own potential.
From a plate umpire's point of view.
The white grid in the background is one of the many different tools used to assist each umpire when reviewing their footage of the cage to see if the head is moving during the deliver of the pitch.
Students get immediate feedback on their cage work at the video room station. An instructor is in the station during the playing of tapes to assist each umpire.
Understanding the importance of head height helps the umpire be more effective when working the plate. Jeff Macias helps William realize there are three body movements that control head height.
Arizona Umpiring Academy instructor, Jeff Macias, points out the proper placement of the slot foot when working the plate.
Dan Pedersen, WAC and PAC-10 Umpire Supervisor, stop by for a visit. Dan umpired for over 25 years in the NCAA ranks. He has worked 5 NCAA Division I World Series. Dan, thanks for taking the time to stop in and visit the students here at the Arizona Umpiring Academy.
Arizona Umpiring Academy instructor, Travis Katzenmeier, going over the importance of proper use of eyes (tracking the ball), making sure the umpire is in the slot position and how the width of the stance could effect the umpire's slot position when working the plate.
Each student gets comprehensive instructions from each instructor. Arizona Umpiring Academy instructor, Mike Jost, is committed to making sure every single umpire that comes through his cage receives the same treatment, even better, individual instruction that accommodates that each umpire's special needs.
One part of the clinic that is extremely invaluable is exposing the students to handling non-routine situations (arguments). Not truly understanding what type of problem or why the player or coach is upset can cause many more problems for the umpire. Remember competence creates confidence, it easy to handle a problem when you know and understanding the problem.
Jeff Macias (left) assisting a student understand the importance of keeping his chest to the ball and squared to the play.
The Arizona Umpiring Academy has players come in to assist in demonstrating. Here the sliding rule and interpretation of each level (MLB, NCAA and Federation) is taught.
The instructors play the role of the batter and catcher in the Academy's training of handling situation. The on-field demonstrations and drills are made realistic so that each umpire can apply the proper techniques to the actual games they umpire in the future.
Arizona Umpiring Academy instructors, Mike Jost (AAA Umpire) on the left and Steve Mattingly, demonstrate an argument.
Jeff Macias having a student sit on his knee to get a feel for the amount of squat needed to get the head in the correct position. Great Job Jeff!
Steve Mattingly explaining the importance of being in the proper position to see the pitch and to have proper timing during soft toss.
