West Michigan Umpires Association News

Opening week...

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 17:56:09 GMT

WMUA Members,

For some of you, the season may have already started and Mother Nature wasn't very kind. Hopefully, everything went fine with no problems.

Most of us will be kicking off the season this week, as Spring Break has ended and hopefully the warmer weather is upon us.

I want to personally thank all the members that attended meetings, training nights, and the clinics. It shows that you’re ready to learn and get better at something that doesn't always give us much appreciation. Hopefully, in the years to come, things will get better and people will realize the real reason why we’re out there.

I also want to thank the whole WMUA board for guiding this association in the right direction. We are growing and maintaining members like never before and getting them ready for the upcoming season with the training and knowledge that will help them become better umpires.

So, continue reading those rule books, checking your equipment, keeping those uniforms clean, and communicating with your partners and schools. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your assignor or a board member.

And most of all, HAVE A GREAT SEASON AND HAVE FUN!

Kirk VanderLaan

WMUA President

Letter from the President...

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 14:57:25 GMT

To all WMUA members...PLAY BALL!!!

After an unfortunate cancelled 2020, baseball and softball is finally here. With only a few minor changes and protocols we are able to move on with our season.

I want to thank everyone who attended our Zoom meetings and clinics. Hopefully next year we can go back to in person meetings and clinics. With us being on the low end of returning members everyone should be able to get as much officiating in as they want.

Be sure to help out our assignors by having your Arbitor blocks up to date and always try to accept those games asap. Even if its a slight change go in and accept the change. Mother nature always has a say in our season. So be patient with the changes that might occur.

Arrive to games early, communicate with your partner. Pregame certain situations, post game if you need to. If you have questions ask a veteran or your specific Director. But most important...JUST HAVE FUN!!!

Have a safe season :)

Kirk VanderLaan

WMUA President

Letter from the President...

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 16:19:13 GMT

April 13, 2020

To the members of the WMUA:

Some have asked, but all are thinking… What is going on with 2020 dues? These are certainly unprecedented times. I pray that this passes before summer ball so we can all get back to doing what we love. All I can say at this point, is that the board is collecting and weighing all the information we can. There has been no decision made on this matter. I realize it is not the answer that anyone is looking for, however, it is a decision that requires more discussion. I promise you; we are looking at this situation from all sides. This will be item number 1 at the executive board meeting on June 7^th. You will receive communication from the new board on the decision that was made.

If you have any questions or concerns, the best thing to do is email me directly at ndswimr00@aol.com. I will compile all responses and present them at the board meeting for discussion.

In the meantime, take care of yourselves and your families. Stay strong, healthy, and safe.

Your friend in officiating,

Nick Sweeney

President

Mid-Season Message

Thu, 07 May 2015 15:10:07 GMT

Greetings WMUA Umpires!

We hope you season is going well. Here are several mid-season observations:

Batters for the most part seem to be abiding by the batter’s box rule – good job!
Remember good communications with your partner includes signals & being verbal.
Hustle to get the proper positioning / angle & be stationary when making the call.
Insist on receiving line-up cards from both head coaches at your plate meeting.
Track the pitch with your eyes & keep calling strikes (if the pitch is there).
Be attentive & abide by the 30 minute rule for thunder or lightning – safety first!
Keep having fun!

Also, we get better by working more games and there are numerous opportunities to work summer games once the MHSAA season ends – especially you newer umpires. As primarily a baseball umpire, I’ve been asked to help solicit potential umpires for some USSSA games to be held in the greater Grand Rapids / Rockford / West MI area this summer.

Trent Heil, an assignor for USSSA baseball is looking for umpires to work travel team games the weekends of May 23, May 30 and June 6 at the Art Van Sports Complex & area fields. Here are the details for the various tournaments:

May 23-24 is the AA NIT at Art Van Sports Complex...
The ages range from 9-14U.

May 30-31 is the Great Lakes Major NIT (Very Good Ball). The ages range from 9-14U as well.

Another tournament is May 30-31 in Battle Creek, and MHSAA Districts are the 30th, so it will be a great opportunity for newer umpires not working a MHSAA District to get more experience.

Pay Scale:

9-10s - $30.00/6 inning game (most games also have time limits at all age groups)
11-12s - $35/6 inning game
13s - $40/7 inning game
14s - $50/7 inning game

You can contact Trent at (303) 588-4184 or email him at trent.heil@yahoo.com if interested.

Best Wishes on the rest of your season!

President Norm Taylor