News

WMUA Members

Here we are, mid November...

There are a few housecleaning items I would like to bring up...

First...as many have noticed some games are starting to be scheduled. Its vital that you accept them asap. It makes our assignors jobs much easier. To follow up on that its crucial that you keep your BLOCKS up to date. If you need to know how to do it, just let me know or talk with your specific assignors...

Second...its very important, basically mandatory that you have a picture of yourself on Arbitor for schools and assignors. Schools need it to know who will be coming to there school on those days. Don't be skipped over for assignments because you dont have a picture. Again, if you dont know how let me know or ask you specific assignor...

Third...our membership is low again. If you know anyone who might be interested in officiating forward there name on to me or any board member. Let them know about our 1st year discount and also reduced fee for yourself if they join. Also, if you know any past member that haven't renewed let them know its time to renew. Trust me when I say it will be a very busy spring for all of us. We need to grow as a association...

Lastly...we have alot of good things coming before the season starts. Everyone will be receiving the Pre Season guide by years end. Talks are in place of a membership get together/meeting to kick off the season. Dates for meetings and training nights are being worked on along with the annual clinic...

Any questions or concerns please let me know...

Sincerely

Kirk VanderLaan

WMUA President

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

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 7th. 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

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