The Wendelstedt Umpire School will convene on January 2, 2024, and conclude on February 2, 2024. The school is located in Daytona Beach, Florida and air travel arrangements should be made to Daytona Beach International or Orlando International airports. The school is a 10-minute cab ride from the Daytona International Airport or bus terminals, and a quick shuttle ride from the Orlando International Airport.
Students should report to the Best Western Castillo Del Sol by 3:00 p.m. on registration day (January 2, 2024). After checking into the hotel, our instructors will direct you to our office to complete your registration. At our opening meeting at 5:00 p.m. on registration day, we will introduce our staff instructors and give an outline of our program. Students reporting before registation day pay a discounted hotel rate. Please contact the hotel at 386-672-6711 to make these early-arrival arrangements on your own.
There will be a graduation ceremony to celebrate the students at the end of the course. We welcome and encourage our students to invite their friends and families to join us on this special evening (There may be a fee for additoinal guests).
Evaluations will take place on the final day of the course (February 2, 2024). All students must vacate the hotel premises by noon. Students may leave at any time after their evaluation; however, we recommend making your travel arrangements after 4 p.m. to ensure that you may complete the evaluation day process. At this evaluation, each student will be advised on their progress throughout the course and final standing within the class. Assignment and placement details will be discussed at this time.
Training
Those students who wish to bring their own personal umpiring equipment may do so, and we recommend that you do for your comfort. All others will be supplied use of our equipment for the school term. This does NOT include personal items such as socks, shoes, jock and protective cup, and a belt. These items must be brought to school by the student, or purchased when they arrive. We recommend an athletic or umpire shoe with appropriate tread for running on grass and dirt infields. Students may bring their own uniforms if they have them. Other students should wear athletic apparel suitable for umpire activities, or the uniform pants and shirts provided by the school. We suggest wind or sweatpants rather than shorts. Umpire socks, soccer socks, or long undergarments tend to be more comfortable while wearing shin guards. Students should review our required dress code prior to arriving. Students should be prepared for both warm and cold weather. It is also recommended that you bring a glove if you have one to participate in camp games. Students should mark all equipment and uniforms with initials. The school will not be held responsible for lost or stolen items.
The school will provide students with new caps, rule books and manuals, t-shirts, uniforms, and other course materials. It may be prudent to bring with you writing utensils, notebooks, or audio recorders. There is no video recording allowed during training sessions.
Non-Training
Most students will wear jacket and tie or business casual for registration. There is no dress code during personal time, but students should bring enough clothes for a variety of weather conditions. Many students will bring beach wear for off-days on Daytona Beach.
Students should bring sunglasses and sunscreen for the protection of their eyes and skin. Many students will bring flip flops for walking around the hotel or beach. Soap, shampoo, and other toiletries are provided by the hotel staff, but students should be prepared to supply their own. It is suggested that students bring enough spending money with them for entertainment, laundry services, and food if not on a meal plan. Additional money should be brought for cab or shuttle rides, tips for room attendants, or to throw in for gas if another student drives you to an out-of-the-area location on off-days.