The 2024 BV Umpire Seminar took place at Knox Baseball Club on 21-22 September, with over 60 umpires turning out for the first day of Community, Association, and State Umpiring courses.
40 umpires continued on day two for additional plate and on-field situational plays. The second-annual seminar aimed to promote baseball umpiring to new and returning officials, while creating consistency with formal training, assessments and accreditations aligned with the National Umpiring Accreditation Scheme.
We had student attendees from all over the state, some joining us from Albury-Wodonga, Latrobe Valley, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, and Mornington Peninsula, as well as locals from the Melbourne metropolitan area and surrounds.
Brett Robson (WA), Paul Latta (NSW), and Tom West (QLD) were on hand to support training and assessments.
It was great to have their vast knowledge and experience adding to that of our local instructors David Welsh, Geoff Dunn, Denis Dalzotto, Peter Clapp, Randall Vavra, John Schroders, Neil Medlin and Casey Cooke.
We started with the theory portion of our Behind the Mask Community Umpire Program, which was attended by both new umpires and Association Level Umpires who had not done so previously.
We are working toward having many of our Association and State Level Umpires ready to deliver the Behind the Mask Community program at their local clubs, VSBL Hubs and regional associations.
While the Community Theory was being delivered, some Association and State Level Umpires who had previously completed the program had a cage session with Tom, Paul, Neil and Casey. These cage sessions teach plate stance, head height, proper use of eyes and the correct play, time, strike and ball mechanics.
From there, we broke into smaller groups, with some officiating live games using a 3-umpire system, some learning the 2-umpire system with simulated plays, and the newest Community Umpires learning safe calls, outs, strikes, and balls.
Sunday saw a mix of new Community Umpires return for further on-field instruction alongside our more developed umpires. Three rotating field stations and cage work offered great learning opportunities for all.
The weekend wrapped up with a BBQ provided by Knox Baseball Club where there was lots of socialising, networking, and sharing memorable umpiring stories.
"We received very positive feedback, opening up conversations about umpiring and all the opportunities it can bring to individuals and the greater baseball community," said Alan Sutherland of the BV Umpiring Working Group. "It was great to see so many smiling faces while discussing all things umpiring, and many people said they learned a lot about our beloved sport. We are excited to see everyone on the field and continuing to improve with each game."
A special thanks to:
- Knox Falcons Baseball Club for hosting and putting on the BBQ.
- Upwey Ferntree Gully Baseball Club for moving practice matches to Knox to support our teaching and learning.
- Brett Robson, Paul Latta and Tom West for coming from interstate and sharing your love of baseball umpiring with us all. Your help in delivering this program is greatly appreciated.
- Neil Medlin for giving up your weekend and travelling from Albury to support our instruction and course delivery.
- Our local instructors, Peter Clapp, John Schroders, Denis Dalzotto, Randall Vavra, Casey Cooke, Geoff Dunn and David Welsh.
- Brooke Penfold and Michelle Coote for all the behind-the-scenes work organising everything from invites to accommodation to uniform sales and much more.
Most of all, thank you to everyone who attended to start or further develop your umpiring. We look forward to a bright future together!