Judging from the messages that are sent here, this camp has been a perennial success and I commend to umpires of all levels. The word is register early to avoid the camp being full.
The 19th Annual Sun Belt Umpires' Camp will take place February 18-20, 2005 at the stadium home of the AAA International League Charlotte Knight's in Charlotte, NC. This camp has become an annual sell-out so early registration is advised.
Major League umpire Jerry Layne will be the chief instructor and he will work with Vic Voltaggio. Jerry Layne worked the 1997 and 1999 NL Series Championships. Vic Voltaggio joined the American League in 1977, worked five ALC Series, two All-Star Games and one World Series and retired from the American League in 1996. They will be assisted by a talented team of umpire instructors.
The camp offers extensive field instruction along with rules and interpretations taught in classroom sessions. This format is designed to improve the beginning or experienced baseball umpire.
Students who demonstrate an acceptable level of competency will be assigned to umpire local area college games. Instructors will observe and evaluate these students.
The Sun Belt Umpires' Camp has over 900 students from 41 states and Canada since its inception in 1987.
The Sun Belt Umpires' Camp offers:
- Extensive Field Instruction taught by Major and Minor League Umpires
- Rules and Interpretations taught in classroom sessions (Little League, Federation, College and Professional)
- Plate and Base mechanics taught with the 2 man system. Individual instruction to each student.
- Positioning, movement, signals, voice and communication emphasis.
- Philosophy, mental approach toward Umpiring, including ethics of officiating, appearance, equipment, etc.
- How to handle situations at each level - High School, College and Professional.
- Balks, rhubarbs, when to listen, when to take charge, ejections, how to handle when necessary, how to avoid.
- A complete, comprehensive program designed and taught by umpires, for umpires.
Steve can also be reached by email at JSpano0000@aol.com and would be only to happy to forward a comprehensive brochure to you.