2016 Blue Convention – “Your Future is Calling”
Richmond, BC will be THE place to be for softball umpires from coast to coast from March 25-27, 2016 as Softball Canada and the Softball British Columbia Umpire Associations host BLUE CONVENTION 2016
REGISTER TODAY for the Early Bird rate!
Whether you’re a veteran or a brand new Level I / junior umpire you will find something to upgrade your game. Learn from the best in the sport from all over the world.
The Blue Convention attracts the top presenters from across the country and the world, discussing interesting topics that are designed to attract both Fast Pitch and Slo-Pitch umpires.
We’ll have youth clinics and sessions for new(er) umpires, plus Level IV and Instructor / Evaluator clinics wrapped around the main conference.
Blue Convention Session Descriptions
Technology
The world is changing – especially the way we interact with it and each other. With the development of hand-held digital devices information consumption and production is easy for everyone. Join us as we look at how web-based and mobile apps, video and other technology platforms can be used to grow and support your association and help individual umpires learn and progress.
Program Growth
As softball prepares to launch a new growth phase across the country our umpire programs need to be able to grow with the sport. We will share development ideas and best practices to recruit, develop and maintain umpires.
Base Mechanics
From inside out and rimming to leading edge and seeing the gap, we’ll focus on the latest in being a great base umpire.
Plate Mechanics
Plate umpires have a lot to do in the course of a game and we’ll look at it all. Working the slot, framing the zone, GPA, release and trailing the runner and much, much more, you’ll come away with new ideas – we guarantee it!
Rules & Resources
Was that obstruction or interference? How do I find out how to rule on that latest crazy play? Our rules experts look at the resources available, how to use the rulebook and a few sticky examples to challenge your rules knowledge.
First Impressions / Presence
“You only have one chance to make a first impression”. Truth is, after that first impression you have to continually manage your personal brand as an umpire. Learn some of the tricks to make players, coaches, fans and supervisors believe YOU are the right person for the job!
Personal Growth
While there are lots of people who can make an impact on your umpiring career, only YOU can manage your own development. Where should I start? How do I find your way to where you want to go? What are reasonable goals anyway? Can I really work the Olympics? Learn how to make, manage and reach your goals from those who have been there, done that!
Fitness, Health & Safety
High-performance athletes demand high-performance umpiring. We are seeing increased demands on elite umpires to be physically fit and present a youthful and positive body image. Come here the latest ideas on fitness testing and how you can look after your health during that long season or tournament.
Game (Management) Leadership
Above all, great umpires are great leaders. Whether your personality is quiet and unassuming or passionate and exuberant, you can learn how to leverage your strengths to lead your blue team and the other participants to effectively manage a contest.
Registration: http://www.softball.ca/english/programs/umpiring/blue-convention.html
Detailed Info: http://www.blue2016.com/
Friday, March 25 and Saturday, March 26 – 2016. Ending with an awards banquet the evening of Saturday, March 26.
Level IV and IE clinic offered on Thursday, March 24 (full day) and Sunday, March 27 (1/2 day).
Cost
Convention – $140 if prior to July 1, 2015 [$20 more if after]
IE Clinic or Level IV – $255 if prior to July 1, 2015 [$20 more if after] – includes convention cost
Indicator Award Banquet – $60
The official Blue Convention Hotel is the Sheraton Vancouver Airport – 7551 Westminster Hwy, Richmond, BC V6X 1A3, Canada
– Special Reservation Link
To ensure you receive the special rate of $119 you must identify yourself as a participant attending the Blue Convention 2016. Cut-off date for this special rate at the hotel is Friday, March 4, 2016.
HISTORY – Blue Convention Locations
2016 – Vancouver, BC
2013 – Hamilton, ON
2010 – Regina, SK
2007 – Quebec City, QC
2005 – Calgary, AB
2003 – Kitchener/Waterloo, ON
2001 – Fredericton, NB
1999 – Richmond, BC
1997 – Toronto, ON