Norcal Umpires - Want To Become One?

[woodrow1029]

http://www.norcal.usta.com/adults/to...nts/officials/

2 Umpire Rookie Classes are now scheduled in NorCal. The information is in the link above. March 2 and May 18, both in Alameda. If interested, contact me at NorCalOfficials@gmail.com.

[OrangePower]

Originally Posted by woodrow1029

http://www.norcal.usta.com/adults/to...nts/officials/

2 Umpire Rookie Classes are now scheduled in NorCal. The information is in the link above. March 2 and May 18, both in Alameda. If interested, contact me at NorCalOfficials@gmail.com.

Sounds like a thankless job.

I already have one of those - I captain USTA teams

[Toons]

Just one persons opinion: It is very thankless. Went through the program many years back. Very slow, assumes you know very little. Took a couple classes with people that hardly knew the basics (many seemed to be blind as well). At least these days you can get paid something, still not much. You often end up arguing with players that think they know everything, usually 3.0 players that spend all their time on TW boards

[dizzlmcwizzl]

Originally Posted by Toons

Just one persons opinion: It is very thankless. Went through the program many years back. Very slow, assumes you know very little. Took a couple classes with people that hardly knew the basics (many seemed to be blind as well). At least these days you can get paid something, still not much. You often end up arguing with players that think they know everything, usually 3.0 players that spend all their time on TW boards

There are 3.0 players on these boards?

[OrangePower]

Originally Posted by dizzlmcwizzl

There are 3.0 players on these boards?

Yes but remember that TW 3.0 is equivalent to USTA 5.5

[Cindysphinx]

Originally Posted by Toons

Just one persons opinion: It is very thankless. Went through the program many years back. Very slow, assumes you know very little. Took a couple classes with people that hardly knew the basics (many seemed to be blind as well). At least these days you can get paid something, still not much. You often end up arguing with players that think they know everything, usually 3.0 players that spend all their time on TW boards

Aw, come on. It's not that bad.

There was an on-line test, which you could whip through at your own pace.

Yes, there was a day-long group class, but I've sat through far worse training classes.

I became a provisional umpire and did one of the five mandatory days of unpaid "shadowing" training. I liked it. Trouble was, it just didn't fit with my lifestyle for right now. Also, every time I was available there was no suitable tournament for me, and the tournaments that were suitable seemed to often occur when I was unavailable. I bailed and I didn't do the final four days of shadowing to become a full-fledged official.

Based on my years as a swim stroke and turn judge, I do think it takes a certain authoritative demeanor to be successful, though. I think it helps to give off an "I know my stuff and am decisive" air.

[woodrow1029]

bumping this thread.

The May 18 umpire class in NorCal is approaching soon, and you must e-mail NorCalOfficials@gmail.com by May 11 if interested.

Thank you!

[sureshs]

Originally Posted by Cindysphinx

Based on my years as a swim stroke and turn judge, I do think it takes a certain authoritative demeanor to be successful, though. I think it helps to give off an "I know my stuff and am decisive" air.

I worked with a USTA umpire this weekend at a junior tournament. You are absolutely right - authority is essential. This guy was also kind of running the tournament with the help of volunteers like me. You can't let the players or their parents take advantage of you. The rules state that the junior must check in at the booth before a match. Some parents were checking in on behalf of their kids who was warming up with another parent. Not acceptable. Parent points and says: my son is just over there. Not acceptable.

Right off the bat, his attitude said: I am fair but firm. This prevents a whole lot of problems later.

[Joeyg]

Originally Posted by woodrow1029

http://www.norcal.usta.com/adults/to...nts/officials/

2 Umpire Rookie Classes are now scheduled in NorCal. The information is in the link above. March 2 and May 18, both in Alameda. If interested, contact me at NorCalOfficials@gmail.com.

Not sure if my "bigger hammer" school of resolving disputes would be appreciated in NorCal.

[omega4]

Originally Posted by woodrow1029

http://www.norcal.usta.com/adults/to...nts/officials/

2 Umpire Rookie Classes are now scheduled in NorCal. The information is in the link above. March 2 and May 18, both in Alameda. If interested, contact me at NorCalOfficials@gmail.com.

I'm not in NorCal but if I were, I would definitely do this. I would ref matches without passion or prejudice. And I would be sure to find the correct blond kid causing a ruckus to penalize (and not take lip from anyone else)!