Umpire Training Conducted by Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring

The batter hits a ground ball to the second baseman... He deflects the ball and it rolls several feet from him. The runner from first collides with the clumsy second baseman as he goes after the ball. Is this interference by the runner?

Desert Classic

2009 Desert Classic Clinic
October 20 through October 25, 2009
Kino Sports Complex
Tucson, Arizona

Spring Training Home of the:
2005 World Champion Chicago White Sox
2001 World Champion Arizona Diamondbacks

Join us for an exciting, fun, and informative clinic with veteran Major League Umpire Jim Evans! We'll even be able to watch and talk about the World Series! (if series not over)

Our extended clinic will be held at the Kino Sports Complex, which is also the Spring home to the Chicago White Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks. With a beautiful view of the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains, Kino Sports Complex is one of the finest complexes in the country!

All of your training will be conducted on the very same fields the White Sox and Diamondbacks use for their spring training. Kino Sports Complex is made up of 12 regulation professional diamonds, 1 stadium, 3 half fields, and batting cages.

Kino Sports Complex's location and close proximity to Tucson International Airport makes transportation extremely efficient!

We're looking forward to seeing you in October/November for some fun in the sun!

Dates:

Start: October 20, 2009
Registration: Begins 10 a.m. October 20.
Orientation: 6:30 p.m. October 20.
End (Hotel Check-Out): October 25, 2009.
Graduation Banquet: 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. October 24.

Cost:

Tuition - $425. A $150 non-refundable deposit required with enrollment.

Hotel:
The Academy has negotiated these room rates:

Shared Room: $39.50/night ($197.50 Total)
Private Room: $79/night ($395 Total)
Suite: $99/night ($495 Total)

(Price valid only to reservations made with the Academy office.)

Cost includes a full hot breakfast, 2 Desert Classic T-shirts, an embroidered combo cap, name tag, class photo, Certificate of Completion and Graduation Banquet. For those staying at the Holiday Inn, transportation to and from the airport and to and from the the training facility will be provided. Hotel check-in is on October 20th at the Academy Office. The banquet will be held on the 24th at 5:30pm. Hotel check-out is the 25th. Please plan your home return travel for the 25th.

Holiday Inn
4550 South Palo Verde Blvd.

The Holiday Inn, conveniently located just a few miles from the airport, is modern and has a long list of amenities. To view their website, click here.

Training:

All training, classroom and field, will be conducted at the Kino Sports Complex - The spring training home of the White Sox and Diamondbacks.

The Academy Office will be located in a room at the Holiday Inn.

Enrollment:

Click Here to Enroll Now in the Desert Classic.
Please give us a call with any questions. (303) 290-7411

Clinic Information

- Class Schedules -
Start:
Classes are held daily from 8:30 to 5:00. A course completion banquet will be held at 5:30 p.m. on the last training day.
Curriculum:

Angle/Distance Theory
Timing Techniques
Reading Plays
Positioning Theory
Communication Procedures
Use of Equipment
Handling Arguments/Ejections
Survey of Official Rules
Overthrows/Awarding Bases
Obstruction/Interference
Checked Swings
Balks
Plate Stances/Mechanics
Developing a Strike Zone

Classroom instruction includes a comprehensive survey of the rule book and proper umpiring procedures. In addition, you will participate in open discussions, rap sessions, and class competition. All our training is designed to take your amateur umpiring to a new level.

Personal plate stances are evaluated and recommendations made which will improve your calling of balls and strikes. Jim and his instructors will demonstrate the three most popular stances used in professional baseball and help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of each. You will work with individual instructors, videotape, and pitching machines to accelerate your learning.

Instructors:

Jim Evans is your chief instructor, working with you each day in the classroom and on-the-field. His assistants are all honor graduates of the Academy, current professional umpires, and instructors at the professional course. Each one is selected for his umpiring, instructional, and communication skills.

If you have additional questions contact the Academy Office by Clicking Here, or by calling (303) 290-7411.