These free-to-access virtual umpire clinics will be provided in 45-to-60-minute sessions.
Tom Rawlings, Little League’s Director of Umpire Development, will moderate the sessions, and feature several experienced Little League umpires. Each season will provide the opportunity for attendees to submit questions.
Every session in the Virtual Umpire Clinic Series is recorded and archived on the Little League Umpire Registry. The Little League Umpire Registry is free to join and serves as the hub for all Little League umpire training and education resources.
TIPS AND TECHNIQUES FOR EFFECTIVE GAMES MANAGEMENT
WHEN: Thursday, December 3rd at 5pm
OVERVIEW: This session will focus on Game Management techniques and how to best implement during a game. The ability to maintain control over the “flow” of the game frequently separates a good official from an extraordinary one. The techniques and strategies discussed during this session will aid every official in improving their performance on the field.
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WEDGE THEORY - PART 1 - TAG PLAYS AT THE PLATE
WHEN: Thursday, December 8th at 5pm
OVERVIEW: This session will introduce the fundamentals of wedge positioning as the official mechanic to be used by Little League umpires for tag plays at home plate. As part of this discussion, the wedge theory will be presented in four parts. Each segment will use video clips of Little League Umpires as examples. Participants will be introduced to the basic definition of the wedge, as well as an explanation of its origins and evolution, and be provided with an explanation of why and how to use the mechanic. Video examples will illustrate the three fundamentals of wedge positioning as well as identify common mistakes made by umpires when using the wedge mechanic.
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WEDGE THEORY - PART 2 - TAG PLAYS AT THE BASESWHEN: Thursday, December 15th at 5pm
OVERVIEW: This session will discuss the wedge theory approach to the mechanic for tag plays on the bases in multi-member crews. A review of the basic concepts and fundamentals presented in the Wedge Theory Part I will preface and introduce the importance of changing the pre-pitch starting position for umpires working first, second, and third base in multi-member crews. The presentation will break down wedge positioning at second base for the 60-foot, 50-70, and 90-foot diamonds. The focus will be on steal plays and back-picks, then introduce the concepts of rimming and sliding rather than using the traditional pivot, and finally, using the wedge for tag plays at second base on throws from right field, centerfield, and left field.
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