Dutch Umpire School

ABOUT US

WELCOME TO THE DUTCH UMPIRE SCHOOL

An inspiring initiative by Roy van de Wateringen and Yme van der Lugt.


OUR MISSION:

At the Dutch Umpire School, we believe that well-trained and motivated umpires are the key to better baseball and softball.
By passing on the right knowledge and skills, we not only enhance the enjoyment of the game, but also increase respect for the umpire profession.


OUR APPROACH: RECRUIT, TRAIN AND SUPPORT

We work closely with clubs to recruit and train the best umpires.
Our comprehensive workshops and clinics focus on understanding the rules of the game and teaching the essential tasks and positions of an umpire. This not only creates competent (club) umpires, but also improves overall knowledge of, and respect for, the sport.

FOR WHO?

Our focus is on young people aged 12 to 21 years old.
By becoming an umpire, they can stay meaningfully connected to their club, without the obligation of playing every weekend.
Parents also benefit from our approach: they gain more insight into their children’s sport and can take on a more active and informed role.


MENTAL RESILIENCE: ON THE FIELD AND IN LIFE

Being an umpire sometimes requires strong mental resilience. The tools we teach are not only useful on the field, but also in daily life.
Umpires who train with us develop confidence and stand stronger in their shoes: both within and beyond sports.


The Dutch Umpire School goes beyond just training (club) umpires.

We offer valuable life skills that participants can apply in all kinds of situations.
Our training is an investment in personal growth and development.


Join the Dutch Umpire School and help create a better, more respectful sports experience for everyone.
Together, we increase the joy of the game and build a stronger future for baseball and softball!

discover the UMPIRE IN YOU

TRAINING PROGRAMS

To ensure that games run smoothly, officials are essential.
That’s why it’s important to have well-trained, enthusiastic umpires on the field, to help matches proceed in a fair, professional, and sporting manner.


The Dutch Umpire School offers these training programs and other workshops.
On this page, you'll find all the relevant information and can register right away.
It’s fun to do, and a great way to contribute to your club and your sport.

INSTRUCTORS


Roy van de Wateringen

INSTRUCTOR / UMPIRE


Yme van der Lugt

INSTRUCTOR / UMPIRE


Steven van Dieten

INSTRUCTOR / UMPIRE


Fred Haak

UMPIRE


Rene Fischer

UMPIRE


Rudsel Schoobaar

UMPIRE


Sergio Paulina

UMPIRE

Having trouble finding enough (club) umpires for your baseball and softball games?
The umpires at the Dutch Umpire School are always here to help!

  • Price on request

DUS umpire BASIC

The DUS Umpire Basic training, held in just one evening, offers a unique opportunity to learn essential umpiring techniques.
It's ideal for young players, but also perfect for parents who want to improve their skills and understanding!

Learn all about the basic (game) rules of baseball and softball, experience the challenges of making the right calls, and become a true umpire!


At the end of the training, you'll receive an official DUS Umpire Basic Certificate.

- ALL YEAR ROUND

1 EVENING

MON TILL FRI:

7PM - 9:30PM

WEEKENDS UPON REQUEST

  • Price on request
  • minimum 7 attendees

DUS umpire ADVANCED

The DUS Umpire Advanced training prepares participants to umpire games at their own club.

This course is also perfect for coaches and supportive parents who want to better follow the games and gain a deeper understanding of umpires. Upon completion, you will receive an official DUS Umpire Advanced Certificate.


During this course, our instructors will also focus on mental resilience, using comments, examples, and exercises to show participants that umpiring isn’t always easy.
They will provide you with tips and tricks to help you handle these challenges and keep enjoying umpiring throughout the game!

- ALL YEAR ROUND

1 dAY (2 SESSIONS)

WEEKEND:

10AM - 12:30PM / 1PM - 3:30PM

PART 1: THEORY


  • Basic rules of baseball & softball

    • Strike zone
    • Fair/Foul balls
    • Infield fly
    • Obstruction & interference

PART 2: oN THE FIELD


  • Judging balls and strikes
  • Positioning:
    • behind the catcher
    • in the field
  • Rotation & cooperation
  • Price on request
  • minimum 7 attendees

CLUB UMPIRE

In addition to offering the DUS Umpire Basic and Advanced training programs, the Dutch Umpire School provides five consecutive winter clinics specifically designed for club umpires during the off-season.


These workshops are intended to deepen knowledge of the club umpire role and provide a space to share experiences.

This helps participants gain more skills and confidence, allowing them to step onto the field during the season with greater assurance — and receive less criticism from players, coaches, and parents.


Our clinics are also a great way to recruit new members, using rule explanations or fun quizzes to engage and attract them.

- DURING OFF-SEason

CLINICS:

  • Rules of the game

  • Mechanics (2-man system)
  • Bullpen sessions (strike / ball calls)
  • On the field training (positioning)
  • Mental resilience

  • Price on request
  • minimum 5 attendees

NEXT PITCH UMP!

Do you often receive comments from players, coaches, or spectators during a game about a factual decision, and you're not quite sure how to handle it? Then this workshop is perfect for you!


In this session, our instructors will focus on mental resilience and provide you with tips & tricks to help you deal with these kinds of situations, so that umpiring remains fun and rewarding!

- ALL YEAR ROUND

1 EVENING OF 2½ HOURS

UMPIRES ARE LIKE JUDGES

THEY DONT MAKE RULES


THEY APPLY THEM

PARTNERS

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