Frequently Asked Questions
Each camp is different and is geared toward a certain level of umpire. A beginning umpire, and umpires with less than three years’ experience are better suited to the 2 umpire camps. Umpires with three or more years of experience may be better suited for the intermediate or three umpire camps.
The Identification/Observation camps are best thought of as “audition/try out” camps. There may be some classroom training sessions and drills, but the primary emphasis of these camps is focused on watching the umpire work to assess their current level of abilities. Most of the training comes in the form of in game or post-game feedback provided by a DUA faculty.
Training camps are rich with classroom training sessions, film review, on field drills, and only minimal in-game or post-game feedback. Campers may not work full games and may not work all positions. These are excellent opportunities to improve skills, learn new skills, and delve into other topics such as vision training and the mental aspect of umpiring. Training camps are not well suited for conference auditions.
Attend a camp that your assigner will be attending so that s/he has an opportunity to watch you work. Attend camps earlier in the summer/fall. Many assigners strive to have the first round of assignments completed in October, and the second round completed by December. If your assigner has expressed concerns about your performance on or off the field, work on those areas and then attend a camp to demonstrate your improvements.
4. May I pay for the camp via check?
Yes. Please contact Tom Meyer directly at (732)-740-0866. All information in regards to paying by check will be communicated.
Housing is not generally provided as it is tournament dependent. Some of our larger camps are held in conjunction with tournaments that will provide umpire housing. If provided, it will be clearly specified on the camp description.
Meals while on-site are only included at specified camps within that camps description. Water will be provided in the umpire areas at all camps. Snacks and meals are the responsibility of the umpires.
Coordinator/Assignor attendance is not finalized until the week of the camp. Christie (SEC/ASUN/Sun Belt/ODAC) is scheduled to attend all camps. The schedule is subject to change. Coordinators from other conferences will be invited and will RSVP to us. The coordinators in attendance will be listed for each camp on the website.
Unfortunately, no. DUA provides the opportunity to be observed through the identification camps. It is up to each assigner/coordinator to recruit/hire their own umpires. DUA simply provides the opportunity for the audition.
Camper registration numbers are used to build an appropriate staff. Registration fee (less service fees) is refundable for extenuating circumstances if requested in writing more than 45 days prior to the start of the camp. Refund requests received less than 45 days prior to the start of the camp cannot be honored.
DUA will provide you with a camp shirt to be worn in classroom and drill settings. The camp uniform is the current NCAA charcoal grey pants, plain bright/electric blue &/or midnight blue shirt, plain navy blue hat, plain navy ball bags, black socks. Uniforms should be fitted, cleaned and pressed. Think of your camp experience as a job interview. Look sharp!
Training for a vocation or avocation is usually a tax deduction, but check with your tax professional to be sure of your personal situation.
DUA does not allow videotaping of classroom sessions nor any proprietary information. Campers may set up a camera to video their own games, but not post-game sessions.
DUA camps are proprietary and therefore restricted to paid campers. We want to give you the most for your money, so our camps are full of activities all day long. Campers will not have much free time to spend with family or friends. If you decide to bring family or friends, they may not attend any camp activities, and you will be responsible for the meals, housing, and transportation costs of your guests.