The Malta Baseball and Softball Association organised its annual pre-season clinic for its umpires. The event was spread over two days.
On Saturday 7th October at the Mellieha Sports Club, the new MABS President Andrew Bajo welcomed participants and encouraged them to enhance the knowledge of the rules of the game. Director of Softball Chuck Micallef delivered a presentation about ‘The Ethics of an Umpire’,
an important topic which raises or downgrades the profile of the official in charge of the game. Technical Director Giancarlo Pulvirenti was the next speaker who dealt with ‘Umpire Interference’ and ‘Interference Runs’, during which he tested the umpires’ knowledge by presenting some interesting situations.
After the break, Giancarlo Pulvirenti’s delivery about ‘Mental Anticipation’ highlighted the importance of the umpire’s awareness of what can happen next in a game. Chuck Micallef explained a new rule for softball and addressed participants about ‘The Two-Man Umpiring System in Softball’.
On Sunday 8 th October at the Marsa Sports Ground, Director of Umpires Adrian Casha informed umpires about administrative matters. The clinic proceeded with practical sessions based on ‘Two-Umpire Mechanics’ and ‘Position on the Home Plate’ under the supervision of Giancarlo Pulvirenti and with the participation of players who took the opportunity to do some practice.
In his closing speech, MABS President Andrew Bajo thanked the instructors and umpires for a successful event and wished them an enjoyable season.