About this Event
Little League® International is pleased to extend a cordial invitation to all league volunteers to join our enthusiastic Little League National Instructor Team in Williamsport, Pennsylvania for our comprehensive Plate Meachanics Clinic. This specialized clinic aims to help umpires of all skill levels and experice improve their plate work and is open to all umpires ages 18 and older.
Enrollment for this clinic will be limited to thirty-two (32) participants and will be held in the Dr. Crighton J. Hale International Grove Dining Hall, Recreation Room (2nd Floor), and the field and indoor facilities at International Headquarters.
Our plate mechanics clinic will focus specifically on building and refining the fundamentals of working the plate to produce accurate and competent plate umpires. The curriculum will focus on five instructional modules, leveraging dynamic seminar, interactive classroom instruction, drill-work, and video analysis to provide a highly engaging and thought-provoking learning environment:
· Module 1: The 3 Basic Steps to Calling Balls & Strikes
· Module 2: Strike Zone Strategy
· Module 3: Style & Form of Calls
· Module 4: Efficient Movement from behind the Plate
· Module 5: Play Positioning for Force Plays and Tag Plays at the Plate
Training materials and lunch will be provided for all attending umpires, and umpires will be responsible for making their own lodging arrangements, along with breakfast and dinner arrangements.
Additionally, umpires are required to bring all umpire equipment and gear and are requested to dress in full umpire uniform during all sessions unless communicated otherwise by the training staff. Umpires should also bring a glove with them for cage work, drills, and simulations throughout the event.
The cost of the clinic is $75.00 per student and covers all instructional materials, three meals on Saturday, one meal on Sunday, and housing in Little League International Dormoitories. Each student attending the academy will need to provide their own equipment including an umpire hat, indicator for balls and strikes, baseball glove for cage work, drills, and simulations, mask, and complete plate equipment. The preferred uniform for the school is charcoal gray umpire pants, black t-shirt, black shirt/jacket, black shoes, and black belt.
As a Little League Umpire, all umpires are reminded to complete a background check on the Umpire Registry for $5.00 in addition to completing the Abuse Awareness Training via USA Baseball and SafeSport. Attendees may be required to provide a copy of the certificate indicating completion of this Abuse Awareness Training prior to participating in the training event. The Abuse Awareness training is free and can be completed here: https://www.littleleague.org/university/articles/abuse-awareness-training-course/. (Note: Certificates must be dated after October 1 of the previous year to be valid and will be necessary should live games or simulations be used during the event.)
We offer an fun, comprehensive, positive, encouraging, and enjoyable experience that will afford each volunteer umpire the opportunity to become properly trained to umpire all levels of Little League Baseball and Softball. Please encourage other umpires, coaches, and managers to attend. Should you have any questions, or need information regarding the school, please contact Cathy Lusk, Operations Administrative Assistant, at 570-326-1921, ext. 2248 or [email protected].
(NOTE: Arrangements may be made to check-in Wednesday afternoon prior to the start of the event. Details for this option will be provided by Cathy Lusk via email one week prior to the event.)
Whether new to the umpiring ranks or many years of experience, this plate mechanics clinic will ensure you have the most current, up-to-date, and approved mechanics and rules knowledge to elevate your game and succeed as a plate umpire. We hope to see you soon!
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Little League World Series Complex, 539 U.S. 15, South Williamsport, United States
USD 81.12
