Details: Parent Category: NW News

Hello, there are several new members of the NW College Group, so please let me take a moment to introduce myself. I am, John Priester, Chair of the NW Umpires College Committee. I am also part of the Board of Directors for NW Umpires. Along with myself, Chad Eischens (President – NW), Andre Lanoue (Board – NW), Adam Berg (Board – NW), and Terry Helget comprise the College Committee.

Please take a few minutes to read through this email. There are several important details that the entire group needs to be aware of. The season is starting to ramp up and games are beginning in about a month.

1. Northwest Umpires Dues – Most, if not, all have received your paperwork from Jeff Schmit (Assignor – NW). Please make sure that you pay your dues on time. If you have any questions please let Jeff and/or I know. This is an important requirement to be part of this group.

2. NCAA Online Clinic – The video is available through Arbiter. It takes about an hour to complete. Please take the time now to get this done. The video is available through Jan 28^th. Once it’s taken down, it’s gone. Please make sure you are not someone who forgets. If you have trouble accessing it, I may be able to help you out, but more than likely you’ll have to work through Arbiter/NCAA. This is an important requirement to be part of this group.

3. NCAA Test – The test will be available Jan 29^th through Feb 12^th. See below for study session information. Like the Online Clinic, make sure you get the test completed and submitted, on time. Unfortunately, we had an umpire lose out on post-season assignments due to not getting the test correctly submitted. Make sure when submitting you are successful. If you are not sure please work through Arbiter/NCAA. This is an important requirement to be part of this group.

4. NSIC – For umpires working this year in the NSIC you should have already received an invite through Arbiter. Please enter your ArbiterPay information ASAP. If you have questions contact Andre Lanoue (NSIC Coordinator of Baseball Umpires).

5. Training/Rules Sessions – Pasted at the end of this email is information that you should have previously received in regard to upcoming Training/Rules Sessions. These are a great way to get your head back into baseball as the season quickly approaches. Thanks to; Adam Berg, Russ Lundquist, Derek Roberts, and Mike Bohlken for their time and dedication in putting these together.

6. Cage Work – Dates are available at the UofM, Concordia St. Paul, and Hamline. I expect more dates to soon become available at other MIAC sites. Thanks to Adam Berg and Brandon Jackson for their work on organizing and managing. Cage work is expected in the same manner as the Online Clinic and Test. This is an important requirement to be part of this group.

7. MIAC Meeting – I will be attending the annual coaches meeting next week. I’ll provide further details after the meeting in regard to their top items of concern and emphasis.

8. College Clinic – This year’s College Clinic will again be held at Augsburg. March 3^rd, from approximately, 9am-1pm. Please block your calendars and attend. This is an important requirement to be part of this group. Unlike the past several years, we will not be on the field. We will be holding the clinic in their auditorium. We have national representatives; Rich Fetchiet (CBUA) and Scott Taylor (D2 National Coordinator) confirmed. D1 umpires; Uyl, Costello, and Condon, along with additional national representatives; George Drouches (D1 National Coordinator), Randy Bruns (NCAA Rules Editor), Don Umland (D3 National Coordinator), and local coaches are possibilities. It’s an impressive lineup. This will be an excellent opportunity for our group to network. We are very very lucky to have this opportunity. As more details become available they will be provided.

Please take care of your off-the-field ‘business’ and make defensible/reasonable decisions on AND off the field.

Feel free to contact me if you have questions and/or concerns.

Thanks,

JP

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Training/Rules Sessions:

Sat 01/20 - 9:00am
Topic: Baserunning & Batting
Location: Apple Valley American Legion
Address: 14521 Grenada Dr, Apple Valley, MN 55124
NOTE: They serve breakfast! Food can be purchased separately.
NOTE: We need RSVP's for this session...the Legion would like an approx number of attendees. Please respond to Adam if you plan on attending!

Mon 02/05 - 6:00pm
Topic: NCAA Rules Test
Location: St. Paul Rec Center (Muni Athletics Turf Room)
Address: 1500 Rice St, St. Paul, MN 55117

Sat 02/17 - 9:00am
Topic: Subsitutions (Pitcher & Batter) & NCAA DH Rule
Location: TBD
Address: TBD
NOTE: Lots of good stuff covered this session. Even though the NCAA DH Rule will be discussed...there will be plenty of information that will be able to be applied to any Rule Book.

Mon 02/26 - 7:00pm
Topic: Base Awards & Placement of Runners
Location: TBD
Address: TBD

Please let us know if you have any questions!

Thanks!
Adam Berg (Along with Russ Lundquist, Derek Roberts, & Mike Bohlken)