Blue convention 2007
Blue Convention is just around the corner, you can visit http://blue2007.cameraexpertplus.com or Softball Canada website for more informations.
Here is a preview of only some of the workshops at the 2007 Blue Convention Self Improvement - Only a Workshop Away. Stay in tune for further updates on the workshops because more will be offered.Instructor - Grant HoodMentoring, Why, Who, What and HowInstructor - John ArissCommon Misconceptions on the Rules Too often an umpire, especially a new umpire, makes a correct call only to be inundated with help from spectators, coaches and players who think they know the rules. To be successful, every umpire must know the rules - not just the complex ones but the simple, frequently occurring rules. This presentation will review many common rule misconceptions and help you, as an umpire, develop your skill and confidence by knowing the correct ruling.Instructor - Aaron PoulinBalancing Family Life and UmpiringDo you have a job, go to school, or are you enjoying a career? Is there a significant other, friends, possibly even children in your life? Everyone some hobbies to pass your free time. On top of that, you officiate slow pitch or fast pitch softball. Where do you find the time in your busy schedule? Or do you? Is your officiating in balance with the rest of your life? What are your priorities, your goals, and your dreams? Come and explore more than time management and find out if your officiating life is balanced with the rest of your life.Instructor - Bob ConstantinSlo-Pitch Plate Mechanics - Working the Dish in Slo-PitchBring your experience and be ready to participate in this interactive workshop that will focus on plate mechanics, game situations and the handling of adversity.Instructor - Greg PipherFast Pitch Plate MechanicsWhere does a good strike zone come from? Why do good plate mechanics improve an umpire’s game control? What are Softball Canada evaluators looking for with regards to plate mechanics? What will make you a better plate umpire?If you are asking any of the above questions, you need to be a part of this workshop. During this session, the following topics will be discussed:1. Plate Mechanics: Getting in the proper position2. Consistency and how to achieve it3. Visible and Audible Mechanics: How they impact Game Control4. Timing: What is the appropriate delay5. Evaluators: What are they looking for?6. Grass Roots: How to teach new umpires the Plate Mechanic basicsThrough interactive demonstrations, group discussion, and video analysis, participants will analyse, in depth, plate mechanics and their role in the complete umpire.Instructor - Serge LaFlammePsychology of UmpiringWe are never enough prepared for a ball game, physically and mentally. The way to be prepared mentally is very different from one to another and there is no standard to follow. This workshop will provide you some tips to be sure that you cover all the aspects of the mental preparation, being then ready to face all kind of situations.Concentration, visualization, goals, auto evaluation, and ways to communicate with all participants (players, coaches, spectators, ground crew, scorer) will be covered and, of course, all the questions of the participants will be answeredInstructor - Joel BalbermanOne Pitch at a Time - the Mental Skills of UmpiringJoel will be presenting an informative session which will include topics on focus and concentration, anxiety reduction strategies, emotional control, self-talk and self-evaluation. A workshop not to be missed.Instructor - Doug CundallClinics - Their Presentation and Tricks to Their SuccessInstructor - Frank OmoeHints, Clues and Politically Correct CallsInstructor - Murray HarveySlo-Pitch… Goin' SoloThis presentation is directed towards those officials who most frequently umpire a “One Person Slo-Pitch Game”. Murray Harvey will attempt to illustrate the proper diamond positioning for a variety of game situations. He will also provide a brief description of the inside plate position and the plate umpire’s use of the set position. The dissertation will end with a few interesting game scenarios and umpires’ reactions to those occurrences.Instructor - Jonathan LiebermanImportance of Team Work - Backing Your Partner(s) Up the Right WayInstructor - Brian SharplesLine-up Cards, D.P. & Replacement PlayersInstructor - Bob HenningCoaches and Players - Working the Two-Way StreetEver wonder what the coaches and players are thinking about you? What is their game plan to try and work you?How do players and coaches try to take advantage of the rules?When something goes wrong, how can you get them back on your side?How can you earn their respect and increase their confidence in you?Learn all about player/coach – umpire relationship management.Speak with a national team world class player.One on one with a world class coach.This may be the most interesting session ever as we unlock the secrets of Working the Two-Way Street.Be there.Instructor - Kelly HunterPutting Fun Back into UmpiringNeed to put the fun back into umpiring? Kelly Hunter will show you how with a fun and action packed presentation with photos and video of weird things that has happened to umpires. She will also give tips on different ways of instructing clinics. Instructor - Gary SkjervenThe Local Umpire - The Desire to Stay at HomeThis workshop, instructed by Gary Skjerven, will focus on individual commitment and how do we best support the umpires that choose to contribute to the game at the local level. This workshop will be filled with tips and ideas – so ensure to bring yours too.Instructor - Bonnie GostolaThe Best Team on the DiamondThis workshop will address communication issues; umpire to umpire, on and off the diamond. We will discuss various tools, techniques, and approaches, which will assist the working umpire to have more control of the games, especially, when outnumbered by the players, coaches, and the fans.Instructor - Mitch ZukObstructionInstructor - Jack Van BynenAttitude - On and Off the DiamondIt seems in our sports today, the concept of good sportsmanship has been lost. The image you project as an official is a product of your character. Good sportsmanship is not just what you do on the field, it is hopefully the way you conduct your life both on and off the field. Join Jack Van Bynen in this workshop for the golden rules of good sportsmanship.Instructor - Gabe BabineauGame ControlInstructor - Carley ParishBlue Legal LiabilitiesUmpire Liability - on and off the field. What are the current insurance policies in place to protect umpires from being sued? To protect them in case of injury. In addition, what are their responsibilities on the field and how do they become liable. How can we as umpires avoid being liable. Carley Parish will be looking at the Softball Canada Insurance provided to the umpires, along with the Provincial Insurance and addressing issues such as compensation, perhaps what happens if an umpire is attacked on the field, if there is lightening etc.Instructor - Lucie CarmichaelTraining Young UmpiresInstructor - Mark Gough and Joyce BelliniNew Mechanics - 3 and 4 Umpire SystemsThere have been many changes in the past few years to reflect the ISF rules. This is a workshop not to be missed. An informative presentation with Mark Gough on New Mechanics in the 3 and 4 umpire systems. Joyce Bellini will be present should there be questions in French. NOTE: An entire French workshop may be offered depending on registration numbers.Instructor - Brian Van Os and Denis BelangerNew Rules for 2007 – 2008There have been many changes in the past few years to reflect the ISF rules. This is a workshop not to be missed. An informative presentation with Brian Van Os on new rules for 2007 and 2008. Bring your questions because Brian is the rule guru. Denis Belanger will be present should there be questions in French. NOTE: An entire French workshop may be offered depending on registration numbers.
Yves Beauregard
Chairman
yvesbeauregard90@sympatico.ca