It is that time of year again. It is time to begin conditioning our minds and bodies for the 2011 baseball season. For ABUA GB, the season started with the General Meeting on Jan. 16 at the tiny village hall just outside Birmingham. This was first opportunity to get together with fellow umpires and learn about what is new and exciting for the 2011 season. Some of the things you heard about at the meeting was the amount of work done in the off-season which included a new website and the ABUA GB Umpire Development Plan (UDP) which we presented to the BBF and BSUK who are providing funding to the ABUA GB who will be conducting and teaching a record 6 Clinics this spring.

It's time to start training. The Training Staff has been working hard to prepare. We are committed to make the best use of your time in training.  In order to be successful each of you must do your part. If you haven't already, start getting in shape now.   Run, jog, walk, jumping jacks, knee-bends, stretching...   

You must get your mind in shape as well. Start reading your rule book tonight! Read 5 or 10 pages a night and you will be way ahead. We intend on providing session outlines or subject matter in advance. So you should read the appropriate sections in the rules to prepare for the training. Do it now and you will have a better season.

Finally, it is time to have some fun! If you are not a member of this association because you really enjoy being on the baseball field, ignore all of the above. It won't do any good. If you want to umpire for ABUA GB you must have passion for the game and youth baseball. Without it, you will not meet our standards for performance or the expectations of our valuable customers.

It is time to PLAY BALL!