While everyone looks forward to the excitement and fun of a new Little League® season, it is in the offseason that players, coaches, and umpires can develop and grow so they are ready for first pitch on Opening Day. A player will run into their backyard and practice their mechanics, a coach will reflect on the season and ask questions that lead to positive change, and an umpire can take advantage of the several clinics, camps, and trainings available across the country.
To better understand the preparation and commitment that goes into developing strong umpires for the Little League season at the grassroots level, Little League sat down for a “Full-Count Conversation” with local league and district umpires, Ricci Hall, Dennis Williams, and Mike Debalek, and Little League Director of Umpire Development and Operations, Stu Hartenstein. Each individual shares the benefits of offseason training and provides advice on how umpires can feel most confident in themselves heading into the next season.
1-0: Why is offseason training important for Little League umpires?
Dennis Williams (DW): “Offseason training is a huge part of what we do. It can help us identify up-and-coming umpires, but we can also hone the skills of those umpires that may be on the verge of a Region Tournament or even a World Series. Offseason training is really set up so that we can help the local leagues make their umpires better and we can pass down all the new mechanics and learnings that we develop.”
Mike Debelak (MD): “It keeps you up to speed on your skills. With all the new advancements that we make every year, sometimes we have people that come to umpire academies who hadn’t been there in years, and there are constantly new things to learn. Attending camps and clinics are best for keeping yourself sharp and for any new techniques or mechanics that we may add.”
Stu Hartenstein (SH): “Offseason training is important to just stay sharp on fundamentals and find some holes and gaps in your game. No matter how many times you’ve been to a clinic, you’re always going to be reminded of those, and we always tell people that remembering is part of learning. Offseason clinics give you an opportunity to be reminded of those holes and even learn some new things, so that you can approach that next season with a couple personal points of emphasis to continue your growth and development.”
1-1: What can an umpire expect when attending a Little League clinic or camp for the first time?
Ricci Hall (RH): “The first thing we focus on is culture. We focus on what it means to be a Little League umpire. If you’re coming for the first time, we are going to spend some time thinking and talking about that to make sure that the umpire feels comfortable with coming into our culture and the value that comes with that. Afterwards, we focus on three major pillars: plate work, base work, and how to stand and signal calls.”
DW: “They can expect the basics, and they can expect coming out of the clinic or camp that they will be a better umpire than they were when they first walked in. It doesn’t matter if it is your first time at a Little League clinic or your 10th, every umpire is treated the same way. We teach everybody how to be a better umpire, but most importantly, we don’t want that first year umpire to feel overwhelmed, so they will stay and come back for more.”
SH: “Number one, expect to feel welcomed and appreciated. You’re going to be exposed to not only some training, but you’re also going to be exposed to a culture that really wants you there. You’re going to be surrounded by people who are rooting for you and are there to help you. You’re going to form some bonds that are pretty special. We try to provide as much information as we can to help you be successful but also package it into smaller things that you can have some takeaways.”
2-1: How does receiving real-time feedback from instructors help umpires improve?
RH: “We are lucky in the world of umpiring to be able to give concrete feedback, often using video, but certainly through observations, to make an immediate adjustment to someone’s practice before it becomes ingrained. Sometimes folks come to a camp with habits that need to be undone, whereas with our new folks, we can intercede and teach them. Usually, they see the immediate aftermath of that and results, which is really encouraging.”
DW: “The real-time feedback is a necessity in what we do. We have umpires that will do a repetition at a certain drill. After they do it, they go see the instructor for real-time feedback. Then, they get back in line and do it again. That repetition during drills allows an instructor to see if they are making the adjustments needed to be the best possible umpire they can be. It’s a big part in what we do.”
MD: “First of all, you need to be open to it. You have to look in the mirror and say, ‘How can I get better?’ Sometimes receiving that is difficult, but the cool part about our program is that you are going to get the same curriculum and feedback no matter where you go. Every instructor is trained the same way to lead a clinic.”
SH: “The cultural piece that oftentimes starts in each of our clinics allows us to understand that it’s a safe space, and all we’re trying to do is enhance the potential of each other. That sets the table for someone to be more open and more receptive to feedback. We use video technology, which is oftentimes difficult to refute because you see yourself there. We ask folks to reflect and become critical evaluators of themselves in both a positive and constructive manner. Our instructors are basically serving as facilitators to provide feedback.”
2-2: How do clinics and camps help build connections among Little League umpires?
RH: “We spend time allowing for and developing relationships between umpires and helping them understand our culture. Things like being a good teammate to yourself and others, being someone that you want to root for, and all the special parts about being a Little League umpire. We get to play a role in development of young people and becoming good citizens and good people.”
DW: “It starts with the instructor staff and their ability to connect with the students. When I am running a clinic, the very first day I will go around before we start and shake every person’s hand and introduce myself to every person in the room whether they are new or old. It makes them feel welcome and starts the comfortability for everyone.”
MD: “Some of my best friends in the world are Little League umpires. The connections you have from being part of this program is truly incredible. Everyone is at a clinic or camp for the same reason. They want to learn, get better at their craft, share stories, and connect. Even if you don’t know anybody walking in, you are going to walk away knowing a whole new group, and those friendships will last a lifetime.”
3-2: How can offseason education help local leagues develop and retain more umpires?
DW: “The more times you can put an umpire through a scenario or even test their rules knowledge, they are going to be more comfortable on the field. When they are comfortable on the field and having a good time, they are going to try and recruit their friends. Next thing you know, more and more people are going to be brought in the program helping with retainment.”
MD: “One of the things I’m responsible for is our District UIC Liaison Program, which is really focused on reaching district UICs across the country and giving them a direct point of contact. It allows us to share important information about training, ID camps, and what we’re doing from both a cultural and training perspective, while also giving us an opportunity to hear directly from them about their umpires. Ultimately, it’s about improving communication, making sure everyone is on the same page, and continuing to move the program and our culture in the right direction.”
SH: “The mentorship part of things and the camaraderie of folks – that helps us retain umpires. People want to be equipped and feel like they have the tools in their tool belt to do the job, and that’s what clinics do. If a league can send one person, we can put a bunch of tools in that toolbox for them to take back home. It’s really important not only for your own personal growth and development, but for what they’ll pass on when they go back home to their local leagues.”
Looking to step up to the plate and be an umpire this season? Visit LittleLeague.org/Umpire to learn more and find a league near you. Also, don’t forget to shop for all your umpire polos, caps, and accessories by visiting ShopLittleLeague.org.