Training Methods

Classroom sessions begin every morning at 8:30 a.m., six days per week. Attendance will be taken through a roll call, followed by lunch order, class announcements, and review of the previous day's coursework. This is followed by a discussion of reviewed terms and methods, and questions and answers.

This is followed by a lecture on Rules/Interpretations/Procedures. Thorough readings and discussions of the Offical Baseball Rules and various official interpretation manuals are conducted during this time. Additionally, the Two-Umpire System will be covered in detail on the board and electronically to provide each student a strong foundation of the mechanics to be used at school and in the first year of their careers. This system's foundations, mandated by professional baseball, was conceived and developed by the Wendelstedt Umpire School and its owner, Harry Wendelstedt. It will be reviewed in this 2D format continuously throughout the entire course.

Prior to the dismissal of each classroom session, student assignments for cage groups, control games, and live games will be announced. On designated days, classroom sessions will also include examination over the rules material presented to students from previous sessions. Students will be extensively educated on the material prior to testing. Night classroom sessions, though rare, do occur when it becomes necessary to adjust schedules so that training objectives and timelines are met.

Cage Instruction

We have found that in order to be a most well-rounded and successful umpire, it is critical that each umpire focus intensely on the mechanics, techniques, and theories of becoming a consistent and accurate plate umpire. We instruct you on all of these areas, and then you are drilled through cage work continuously throughout the course schedule. This cage work is reviewed with the students on a regular basis, and individual and group discussions on the ideas and recommendations for improving the skills and abilities necessary to become an excellent balls and strikes umpire.

After an initial demonstration of the proper use of equipment, definition of the strike zone, and the fundamental plate criteria identified by Harry, students will practice their plate stances, mechanics, and judgment development through repitition and the hands-on instruction from our staff members, including that of experienced MLB umpires like Larry Vanover, Ed Hickox, and Dana DeMuth.

Field Training

In the beginning stages of the course training, students will start field training around 11 a.m. Once the foundations of the Two-Man System have been established, we may report to the fields earlier on select days. In the later stages of the course we will conduct many live games played by college and high school teams. When these begin, reporting directly to the fields may be required, especially on Saturdays.

The first part of work day at the fields will include a period of limbering up and light conditioning. Following the exercises will be drills to teach proper mechanics such as proper stance, voice control, ball and strike, safe and out calls, and proper positions on the field. We will cover the correct method to handle players and situations and the use of umpire equipment.
Additionally, demonstrations by staff instructors will be used extensively to show students the proper techniques, footwork, and mechanics to effectively umpire a game. Controlled game scenarios are conducted by instructors on each of the fields during these times as well.

Lunch will be catered directly to the fields in order that students can be readily available should we play games through the lunch period, if necessary. Following lunch, additional demonstrations, drills, control games, and student games will continue until every phase of the Professional Umpire Course is covered. Classes conclude at 3:30 p.m. College and high school games will be umpired after the first ten days of fundamentals. These games are played from 3:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Some night classes will be held.

At the conclusion of the day, Hunter and Harry will bring together the class to discuss common issues on each field. They will also provide the students with advanced techniques, homework instructions for the evening, and preparation instructions for the next scheduled work day. After questions and concerns from the class are addressed, students are dismissed to return for evening personal time.