Both Sides of the Mask: Recent Episodes
Both Sides of the Mask
Umpires getting together to talk about what it’s like behind the mask, as well as what goes on when we’re not on the field. Touching on different topics that cover all the bases. Interviews with coordinators, staff and other umpires. The idea is to create a fun atmosphere for anyone who can relate to sports, life, and officiating. We don’t know where this will go, but let’s grow together!
Look who is back?! Here we are trying to get back in the groove of the season and a full episode. Liz and Tony go over getting back into the podcast groove, why they were away and also highlight the fear we all have. What happens when we struggle on the field. There are things we can try to do with ourselves, but one of the biggest helps is the crew that we have on the field with us. When does the connection and how does the communication start?
Getting into the meat of our NCAA Rule Book. This weeks rule contains what has become the most reworded rule in our book...Obstruction.
Player and Substitutes is the subject for rule 8, plus a little line up card management.
New uniforms are here and you can get free shipping on your orders of them from: www.umpjunksa.com Give Dora a call there and she is happy to answer all your questions! She has also offered up to the listeners 2 shirts for us to give away!! So be on the look out of what you need to do for that!
Two sessions of recording to make sure Tony got it right! Rule 6 being being titled The Game...we better get this one right.
This episode Tony covers rule 4 of the NCAA rule book. Also we revisit Line Markings in Rule 2.
Tony starts a new series on the NCAA Softball Rules. The hope is that we all get in the book and take a vested interest in them. Grab your rule book and lets get started!
Tony goes over the new EFFECT for an illegally batted ball. What it means and what has changed. Also, investing in yourself and setting yourself up for success.
Liz looks at some new rules and different ways to think. Open your mind to more than what is in front of you.
Tony and Liz go over Athletes Unlimited, WCWS format, and being approachable. When does questioning a rule become questioning judgment? What does two more days mean? What pro league? Join them for this and more!!
This week Tony and Liz went into discussions with the new headline for the NCAA-approved WCWS expansion. Liz dove into this topic a little more and voiced her opinion on how this will help the divide between sports. The bat and ball sport has so many similarities, but yet the expectations are vividly different. Liz expresses how this change will separate the inequalities we have been seeing a lot more of with female vs male sports.
Let's continue to embrace one another and bring out the best in each sport. Female sports deserve what they have been investing in. Let's embellish their dedication, along with their long, deserved accomplishments. Be kind, be open-minded, be excellent!
Liz and Tony are celebrating like it's 1999! Well, at least trying to make the best of it. The hot topic of the week started with a bang. Like, literally. So many emotions, outbursts, opinions, and rebuttals. No, toilet paper wasn't sold out of stores after this pandemic-like announcement was made by the Arbiter Staff.
It was hard to keep up with all madness. Amazing how many people go overboard over a change. What made it easy to stay on task, was the discussion of NCAA softball is finally ending our 23-year drought of the same umpire uniforms and getting a pretty fine uplift. Just an FYI...the uniforms are not sold online or in any of the stores yet. So, we all have time to save up for the newest addition to our wardrobe closest! Be Kind. Be Patient. Be Excellent everyone!
Sneak peek before Tony and Liz launch their full episode this week...
The last day of August had all umpires across the nation with mixed emotions. Finally New uniforms for the 2022 NCAA season. Here, Liz discusses her thoughts on the long-awaited change. Many umpires will agree the uniforms needed an uplift. But for some umpires, they don't like to change.
Well, like many other things in life, things need to change to keep up with the evolution. You're either investing in yourself or you're falling behind. Which one are you? It's about time softball umpires are appreciated.
Tony hits some highlights going on in the VR world, Pro Softball and not undervaluing yourself.
Tony and Liz took a couple of weeks off and came back motivated with a new episode to talk about how we both can enjoy both sides of the mask by taking the time away from our busy lifestyles. Tony and his family enjoyed their time visiting the greatest place in the world, by visiting the Big Mouse! Liz and her entire family experienced the Gulf Shores and the beauty mother nature brings us.
One of the few topics we got into that is hot off the presses is the 2022-2023 NCAA Rule changes. A few rules were reworded for better clarification and others were adjusted to help better manage the game.
Also, we discussed upcoming camps. Many of our listeners have been requesting topics such as this to help others prepare and succeed. Tony and Liz both have experience as fellow umpires going through camps to reach the next level and be better. We provided some feedback on how we handle ourselves as clinicians at the softball umpire camps.
It's back-to-school sessions, or in our case, back to camps sessions. Follow our page and Facebook page to find all the latest softball umpiring camps near you. Bothsidesofthemask.com and @bothsidesofthemask
Ok lets get this party started...again Liz and Tony talk about Liz's WCWS experience, plus a few tangents left and right
Who didn't have the Eminem Song in their heads after reading the title to this power chat? I know I did. All silliness aside, we are finally back at it with our recordings. This summer has been busy for Tony and me with work, sessions, horse rodeos, and softball tournaments.
The next full episode Tony and I will publish will talk more about my WS experience and the behind-the-scenes. Today I wanted to touch base with what goals do you have, how are you staying focused, and some things I witnessed this summer with my daughters' tournaments. Plus, I wanted to get you all back to self-motivate yourself to be better.
Be ready! We're about to be on a roll again. Guess Who's Back! Power Chat!
Be Excellent!
It’s time to talk Super Regionals! One great stories…the quick adventures and THE call. Plus we talk a pressing issue right now in the world of umpiring. Are you ready?
This was quite an experience for many. Regional weekend fell the same weekend for DIII-DI NCAA Softball this season and things were a bit nuts. Our goal has always been to bring all aspects of game closer together, but this post season there was negatives that drove that gap apart instead of together. Listen as we dive into that and more!
It has been a minute since we have had a full episode! There are a lot of things to talk about and expound upon. So, we will start here and then build as we go!
Do you have a question? Contact us on our website Both Sides of the Mask!
Many things go through our minds as we are trying to prepare for all our assignments. We have some key elements that we need to be mindful of as we stay focused. We have to be studying film, see what tendencies the team has, distance to the assignment, who your partners are, and how you communicate with your future partners. Every little detail matters as we are preparing for our games. Not to mention, making sure our personal lives are organized before we drive off.
We need to continue to be honest with one another on the field. Have a voice of reason. Meaning, have an opinion when things are brought to our attention. Communicate in the pre-games, during the games, and after the games with a post-game meeting. Always have your language ready when approached by a coach or gathering together when the crew needs to rule on a play. Lastly, when you are walking into the parking lot, the locker room, walking the field, and even on the field, set the tone. The tone starts when you arrive. The games or series need to start right from the beginning to the end.
Be encouraging, be thoughtful, be ready, and most importantly...Be Excellent.
Things are heating up. Teams are fighting for conference rankings, possibly being selected for regional host locations, trying to win their conference, or coaches trying to hang on to their jobs.
We have umpires we are working with that we may not be familiar with. We have to be prepared for every little thing that may come our way on the field. Being a leader isn't an automatic title because it says Crew Chief before it. Being a leader is who we are on the field. Are you accountable? Are you receptive? Are you supportive? Can you handle direct or difficult situations? This is what it's all about. Conflict and solutions.
They pay us well to make hard, tough calls on the field. Are we setting great examples of composure? Take your time, allow the plays to develop, don't try to insert yourself in the plays. It's all part of the gig.
Be excellent. Act like you have been here before. Have a great day!
Wow! Here we are with more rule talk and how to learn them and apply them. This one may surprise you, but conversations are being had on rules every day.
Be excellent. Be kind. Act like you have been there before.
We are halfway through the 2021 season! Can you believe it? The season has been an emotional roller coaster. We are preparing every week for things that we may or may not be able to control. We can handle the delays of weather conditions, daylight, travel restrictions, extra innings, or cancellations. Who would have thought now we would have to be in a mindset for postponements due to this crazy virus?
It's been a journey, to say the least. But, we're all in this together. Continue to educate, encourage, and be the example.
Be excellent. Stay healthy. Act like you have been here before. Enjoy the journey!
This season has brought in so many curveballs that when that change up comes in, are you ready for it? Many people don't realize how much change we have to adapt to just for one weekend or even a single game. Crew members may get switched to a different venue, game times can change, weather plays a role from time to time. Some of us are missing family events. It's a grind for us to stay focused on our tasks. How do you prepare for this?
We are given a manual, but sometimes that guidance gets thrown out the window and we just have to go out there and umpire. Embrace your journey, encourage one another, learn from others, and be a great example on and off the diamond. You never know who's watching.
Be excellent. Be kind. Act like you have been there before.
On the drive home...I thought I would try and get a Power Chat in. So don't mind the road noise!
-Tony
Both Sides of the Mask wanted to create more content that can be available better than ever. Maybe more episodes? Maybe more interaction? Maybe more interviews? What could we do to fit all our ideas and juggle our personal lives? With family, work, training, and studying for the upcoming season, how do we fit it in? So we created a new way to add more to our listeners. You will be able to get more episodes loaded up weekly. We will publish full episodes, interviews, and short bytes which we will call Power Chat. Tony or Liz will record a “Power Chat” on our own that will be a bonus episode on topics that we are passionate about or a topic that comes to mind. You will hear more about WIN Reality, conversations we’ve had with past guests, and some things that are hot takes in our umpiring world.
Shhhh...Don't tell Tony I created another Power Chat. I'm creating content off script, but sometimes ideas just can't be ignored. Today I brought up some scenarios that can help us be better leaders on and off the field. Be that example the masses want us to be. Be accountable for your actions and decisions. We all started somewhere and we are all wanting to succeed. Be that leader!!!
Enjoy your weekend and further assignments to come. We all have a purpose with this craft, so why not embrace it?
Be Excellent. Act like you have been here before. Be a leader.
When you are preparing for your weekend travels, what are some things you do to get yourself ready? Do you have a routine? Do you plan ahead? Do you have specific rewards programs you try to honor? Last weekend I was experiencing something I wasn't prepared for, but I was able to make adjustments. A learning experience as we would call it. Enjoy your time on the road or in the air. However, you spend your time getting to your next event...Be excellent! Act like you have been there before.
-Tony
Both Sides of the Mask wanted to create more content that can be available better than ever. Maybe more episodes? Maybe more interaction? Maybe more interviews? What could we do to fit all our ideas and juggle our personal lives? With family, work, training, and studying for the upcoming season, how do we fit it in? So we created a new way to add more to our listeners. You will be able to get more episodes loaded up weekly. We will publish full episodes, interviews, and short bytes which we will call Power Chat. Tony or Liz will record a “Power Chat” on our own that will be a bonus episode on topics that we are passionate about or a topic that comes to mind. You will hear more about WIN Reality, conversations we’ve had with past guests, and some things that are hot takes in our umpiring world.
As we enter the 4th week of NCAA Division I Softball, we look at the tough times that you may not see.
With so video more prevalent than ever, we are always on film at all levels...including summer ball. What does that mean for how you see them? On top of that we are in a year of uncertain times and uncertain travel. Some are doing no travel at all, while some are on their 4th week of travel. What does that mean about our crews? Are we seeing new crew mates?
On this episode these are just some of the things we cover. You know us...we are all over the map. Either way...Be excellent!!
This power chat may get some powerful feedback. Many subjects that some talk about openly or ignore out of respect to others. With this podcast we try to cover many areas of umpiring, so we can relate to others in this field. Liz talks about handling adversity, being a representative of the conference you are assigned to, and showing what leadership means. You will be put in situations that may not go to plan. It is how you react to them that can and will set you apart. Will you rise up? Or will you fall down? We are all independent contractors that are registered for the respected organization we applied to. We have a choice to work assignments and we can choose to not accept certain assignments. That's the power we have as 1099 workers. How do you embrace your journey? Do you feel valued or underappreciated? Do you have those difficult conversations with your coordinator? Do you trust the leadership you represent? Follow along with this powerful episode that dives into some of these topics. We can only grow together to be better. Check out this book Rise Up by Dana H. Senders. We mentioned this book in our podcast. The best learning tool to take from this read: Act like you have been there before. Find at: Amazon or NASO Referee Magazine
Games are happening and video is being watched. What are we doing with this video, what are we doing in the video, how do we get better, what can we learn...all these questions need to be asked and more. I just wanted to take a little time and share with you things I am seeing and what we can learn from it and how we can get better. Don't point fingers at mistakes...because you will be the next one to make one. What we can do is BE EXCELLENT!
-Tony
Both Sides of the Mask wanted to create more content that can be available better than ever. Maybe more episodes? Maybe more interaction? Maybe more interviews? What could we do to fit all our ideas and juggle our personal lives? With family, work, training, and studying for the upcoming season, how do we fit it in? So we created a new way to add more to our listeners. You will be able to get more episodes loaded up weekly. We will publish full episodes, interviews, and short bytes which we will call Power Chat. Tony or Liz will record a “Power Chat” on our own that will be a bonus episode on topics that we are passionate about or a topic that comes to mind. You will hear more about WIN Reality, conversations we’ve had with past guests, and some things that are hot takes in our umpiring world.
When it’s time to get connected these guys have us covered! Scott Kennedy and John Bennett were both Minor League Baseball Umpires. This thought of a website to get officials connected was born and it has grown into something special!
Join us on this adventure as we cover what www.officiallyconnected.com is and how a call was answered for officials in need. The guys have been zooming and connecting with all sorts of officials and have even taken it to the steps of the State Capital in Kentucky!
Find out about their new venture, that takes the to what they call “The Bottom of the Fifth”. We have a lot of fun and a lot of laughs!
Move Period Diamond Umpire Academy Tom Davis Sports Recruiting
The intention for this episode was to be as authentic and truthful as possible. Many of us take it heart by dedicating as much time as we can to be the best on and off the field. We understand what it means to be a true crewmate, how to be a great crew chief, and how to set the examples. We are family members, friends, employees, mentors, coaches, and umpires.
Every year we have to prepare for the new exam, new season, new expectations. Many umpires spend countless hours and days doing their due diligence. We research through our manuals, rule books, and our case books. But we often hear from others that want the easy way out or wait until the very last possible moment for help or ask for the answers. We have to be better than this. We need to be more prepared. Coaches and athletes train all year. Do you prepare like they do?
So at the end of the day... Are you a leader or a follower? A manager or an employee? Are you serious about your umpiring or are you just trying to get by? Checking the boxes will only allow you to succeed for so long. Will you be the difference maker this year?
Week 1 is in the past and how did you stack up? There is one big part that we should all keep in mind and that is our FAMILY. Softball will be there for years to come, but will those who stand behind you? There is video out there for us to watch and take notes on. What are you collecting from those videos? Are you in the videos...are you honestly critiquing yourself? One of the things I have told my daughters to not make excuses...why? Because we can't grow from that...find a solution and make you and those around you better! -Tony Be Excellent. Have a great 2021 season! Sponsors: Thank you again to MovePeriod and Diamond Umpire Academy Recruiting: Tom Davis Sports Recruiting Training: Win Reality Need uniforms? Logos? Equipment? So many great deals! Check out these retailers for all your needs: umpattire.com purchaseofficials.com umpjunk.com If you are a seller, send us a message with your information and we will advertise it for you We want to hear from you!!! Contact us on any platform listed. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok: Both Sides of The Mask email: bothsidesofthemask@gmail.com Website: bothsidesofthemask.com Voicemail: 330-552-7211
We had a cool sit down with one of the leaders from UmpsCare. Jennifer or JSP that some call her, talks about how the idea of UmpsCare was created. The amazing growth that this group has provided is incredible.
To this day, many past and current officials from all sports continue the great charitable work they provide for our communities. If there is a charity that you want to give back to, look at all their ways to help provide more for people in need. The generosity continues to exemplify why we are more than what we do on the field.
If you would like to donate to UmpsCare, there are so many great ways to contribute:
UmpsCare.com Amazon Shopping UmpsCare on Facebook
It's Official! 2021 Season is underway! We are excited to finally have a softball season. We will have to tackle many obstacles, but we are more than capable to handle this adversity. Continue to support all the officials that are working this season. It will definitely be different with the outcome of schedules. Be patient, be honest, and be thankful. Thank you to all the officials that have sacrificed their season for the health of their loved ones. We will miss every one of you.
Be Excellent. Have a great 2021 season!
Sponsors: Thank you again to MovePeriod and Diamond Umpire Academy
Recruiting: Tom Davis Sports Recruiting
Training: Win Reality
Need uniforms? Logos? Equipment? So many great deals! Check out these retailers for all your needs:
umpattire.com
purchaseofficials.com
umpjunk.com
If you are a seller, send us a message with your information and we will advertise it for you
We want to hear from you!!! Contact us on any platform listed.
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok: Both Sides of The Mask
email: bothsidesofthemask@gmail.com
Website: bothsidesofthemask.com
Voicemail: 330-552-7211
Jim Cooper has been a tremendous example of what it takes to be dedicated to your passion. A former standout athlete in college, coach, father, grandfather, and college umpire.
In our interview, he talks about how important it is to stay true to your values with family, work, fitness, and umpiring. Sounds like a lot, but we can all manage it by inspiring others. Jim is a huge advocate for fitness and health. He continues to display how we can make time to stay in shape all year round.
Take a listen with our colleague and friend from Kentucky. You don’t want to miss this episode.
Both Sides of the Mask wanted to create more content that can be available better than ever. Maybe more episodes? Maybe more interaction? Maybe more interviews? What could we do to fit all our ideas and juggle our personal lives? With family, work, training, and studying for the upcoming season, how do we fit it in? So we created a new way to add more to our listeners. You will be able to get more episodes loaded up weekly. We will publish full episodes, interviews, and short bytes which we will call Power Chat. Tony or Liz will record a “Power Chat” on our own that will be a bonus episode on topics that we are passionate about or a topic that comes to mind. You will hear more about WIN Reality, conversations we’ve had with past guests, and some things that are hot takes in our umpiring world.
Both Sides of the Mask wanted to create more content that can be available better than ever. Maybe more episodes? Maybe more interaction? Maybe more interviews? What could we do to fit all our ideas and juggle our personal lives? With family, work, training, and studying for the upcoming season, how do we fit it in? So we created a new way to add more to our listeners. You will be able to get more episodes loaded up weekly. We will publish full episodes, interviews, and short bytes which we will call Power Chat. Tony or Liz will record a “Power Chat” on our own that will be a bonus episode on topics that we are passionate about or a topic that comes to mind. You will hear more about WIN Reality, conversations we’ve had with past guests, and some things that are hot takes in our umpiring world.
Steve and Aaron Vail shared their incredible stories with us. Both father and son came from an athletic background playing men’s fastpitch softball. The love of the game gave them so many great opportunities to play the game. Then eventually take the journey into different paths they went.
Steve shares his journey which took him through men’s majors, NCAA softball umpiring, and currently retired in sunny Florida.
Aaron took the same path through men’s Fastpitch, which developed into coaching NCAA softball. Aaron even shared some experience on the Diamond as an umpire with his dad, Steve.
One of their dreams was to coach side by side and with the women’s Fastpitch summer league in Florida this dream may become a reality!
Come along for the ride with us as we get to experience a father/son match up that can’t be missed.
Antonio is a promising young official who has an exciting story to share. Growing up in Michigan, he had so much ambition and support surrounding him. He has two athletically accomplished parents, 4 brothers, a standout student and athlete in high school. He decided to start in the officiating world at a very young age.
Since the age of 12, Antonio has umpired softball from the pony leagues to the professional league. Not to mention, he officiates high school football and basketball. So many people have impacted his life through school and umpiring.
Now living in Florida, he has given himself more opportunities to be successful in life. He encourages young officials to embrace their passions, but don’t take on more than you can handle. Success can be overwhelming and rewarding. We may have to have another episode with him to continue his unfinished story.
Both Sides of the Mask wanted to create more content that can be available better than ever. Maybe more episodes? Maybe more interaction? Maybe more interviews? What could we do to fit all our ideas and juggle our personal lives? With family, work, training, and studying for the upcoming season, how do we fit it in? So we created a new way to add more to our listeners. You will be able to get more episodes loaded up weekly. We will publish full episodes, interviews, and short bytes which we will call Power Chat. Tony or Liz will record a “Power Chat” on our own that will be a bonus episode on topics that we are passionate about or a topic that comes to mind. You will hear more about WIN Reality, conversations we’ve had with past guests, and some things that are hot takes in our umpiring world.
Both Sides of the Mask wanted to create more content that can be available better than ever. Maybe more episodes? Maybe more interaction? Maybe more interviews? What could we do to fit all our ideas and juggle our personal lives? With family, work, training, and studying for the upcoming season, how do we fit it in?
So we created a new way to add more to our listeners. You will be able to get more episodes loaded up weekly. We will publish full episodes, interviews, and short bytes which we will call Power Chat. Tony or Liz will record a “Power Chat” on our own that will be a bonus episode on topics that we are passionate about or a topic that comes to mind. You will hear more about WIN Reality, conversations we’ve had with past guests, and some things that are hot takes in our umpiring world.
Chad Stears came on to the podcast to share his wonderful journey into the umpiring world. He started umpiring games for his dad’s softball team. With his dad’s encouragement, hand me down equipment, the interest grew into a passion from a young age.
Chad has many years working in the SEC, many post-season selections with the NCAA, and has also achieved the ultimate goal by calling for the WCWS. His accomplishments don't even come close to how he carries himself on and off the field. As he describes in this episode, we have friends all over because of umpiring.
Many people don’t get to see the many sides of emotions we carry on and off the field. Chad shared some stories that have helped him achieve his goals and overcome some adversity. With his continued support from his peers and mentors, he has taken a role with USSSA in his home state of Arkansas.
Both Sides of the Mask wanted to create more content that can be available better than ever. Maybe more episodes? Maybe more interaction? Maybe more interviews? What could we do to fit all our ideas and juggle our personal lives? With family, work, training, and studying for the upcoming season, how do we fit it in?
So we created a new way to add more to our listeners. You will be able to get more episodes loaded up weekly. We will publish full episodes, interviews, and short bytes which we will call Power Chat. Tony or Liz will record a “Power Chat” on our own that will be a bonus episode on topics that we are passionate about or a topic that comes to mind. You will hear more about WIN Reality, conversations we’ve had with past guests, and some things that are hot takes in our umpiring world.
I (Tony) had the amazing opportunity to be part of training put together by USA Softball SoCal. The opportunity was amazing and I am grateful to my wife for letting hang in a Zoom meeting all afternoon. There were so many lessons that were learned...for a veteran and a new umpire. Speaking of new umpires, let’s talk about what you might be doing as a new umpire into the NCAA!
Both Sides of the Mask wanted to create more content that can be available better than ever. Maybe more episodes? Maybe more interaction? Maybe more interviews? What could we do to fit all our ideas and juggle our personal lives? With family, work, training, and studying for the upcoming season, how do we fit it in?
So we created a new way to add more to our listeners. You will be able to get more episodes loaded up weekly. We will publish full episodes, interviews, and short bytes which we will call Power Chat. Tony or I will record a “Power Chat” on our own that will be a bonus episode on topics that we are passionate about or a topic that comes to mind. You will hear more about WIN Reality, conversations we’ve had with past guests, and some things that are hot takes in our umpiring world.
We decided to design a daily 10 min walk challenge. We want everyone to push each other to get better, stay motivated, and be healthy. It only takes 10 minutes out of the day to be better. Challenge each other so we can be the best on the field, at work, at home, or for our own personal gain. Let’s get hyped for the season! How are you preparing for your sport?
Be Better. Be Dedicated. Be Excellent!
The start of Season 2! It is 2021 and so the podcast has made it to another year...let’s call it Season 2.
Tony and Liz catch up with a great crew mate they have both worked with and boy does he love having a great time. From Star Wars to big smiles, Victor Canales has seen his fair share things between. The National Cordinator of Fastpitch Umpires for USSSA was something he never thought of and it more or less found him.
So come join us for this and more as we ring in 2021!
Each year the NCAA Softball Umpire Program puts out an updated mechanics manual, so what makes the 2021 manual different? Well the answer to that is in the question itself, this is not an updated manual, this is a NEW manual. It has been totally reimagined from the onset. A call went out asking and almost begging working umpires to submit requests. But how was all that handled, we dive into what went on in those meetings. This new manual may have some errors, if you find any please contact us or Robbie
Robbie Guest is not a foreign name to post season accolades, but you would never hear it from him. Found out what humbles him and where his passion comes from. This self proclaimed nerd has been on many adventures on the softball field, but that is not where it started. So join us for a trip of memories and a look to the future with this Georgia boy!
Jason Becker, the host from the podcast Umpire Inspire came on our show to share his personal journeys as an umpire and podcast creator. He has interviewed umpires from Little League to the Major Leagues. Umpires from City Championship to the World Series. All the get to the heart of their stories.
That’s what it’s all about, our stories, their stories, or just the stories. If there is something we all have it is the stories of our lives and we love hearing each other’s stories. So join us in this journey as we tell stories and make new ones.
Visit his site at www.umpireinspire.com
Amber Dewalt has many great accomplishments with the sport of softball. Her start with softball began as a collegiate athlete, then soon after her career, she continued her involvement as a pitching instructor. She quickly turned to slow pitch softball but realized it wasn’t enough. She took her passions to the other part of the field as an umpire.
Amber explains why she turned to umpiring and discusses her enjoyment of studying the rules itself. With the always-changing operations, the mechanics, and the rules, Amber loves the teaching aspect and continues to mentor other umpires all over the country. Her umpiring career has given her so many opportunities with the youth levels, USA, PGF, NCAA, and many more accolades.
The most interesting part of this conversation is that she talks about being a mother. How she can keep a stable family life at home, her kids, and her career. This is all while she is accomplishing her goals with softball. This fall she was invited to coach a 16U premier softball team. To hear her talk about the impact she is providing for these athletes is inspiring!
We got a very nice voicemail from an umpire that has been enjoying the podcast. We wanted to share it with you all and let you know how thankful we are for you...our listeners and our family!
What has this world come to?!? Well we are breaking through to the other side. Tony has a new toy and it is awesome! WIN Reality has brought something that is taking the sports world by storm! Major League players have been using it, college players have been using it and now umpires are getting on board too! This is just one step into this world and we want to be the ones that open your eyes to a new look. Think VIRTUAL REALITY.
As always we get side tracked and start to move around the field and to different topics...so strap in...this is about to get FUN!
Thanks as always to:
Diamond Umpire Academy
MOVE Period
Tom Davis Recruiting
Liz and Tony venture into the world of gear and beyond with special guest Ty Unthank.
In 2016 Ty found himself in Florida with the chance he never thought of when he was playing little league...a chance to get to the big leagues! Just when you think you know your path though...life has other thoughts. Join us as we take a trip from umpire school to working for one of the world largest uniform and gear suppliers in the world ump-attire.com.
Tony and Liz were back for an episode that started with an agenda but quickly spiraled into many different topics. Are you surprised? We gave our thoughts on how the upcoming spring season may look. We also touched base on how the possible changes can effect the schools with their possible travel plans. We are all scratching our heads trying to figure out how we need to be prepared for the future of scheduling.
Lastly, we want to hear from you about how you are doing. What games have you been working? Are you getting ready for camps? How do you prepare for the off-season? We even started talking about what we wear under the uniform for the change of seasons. Is Tony crazy for wearing compression pants even in the summer heat? We love all suggestions and recommendations. Call us on our direct voicemail line and tell us what you do to prepare for the shift of weather. Our number is 330-552-7211 or email us at Bothsidesofthemask@gmail.com
Tony and Liz talk with Mindy Villa, a WBSC Umpire as well as a NCAA DI umpire in softball. Mindy talks about her start as an umpire and how she came to be a trainer in north San Diego for USA Softball. Not only that, but her and her husband moved half way across the US....started a new business and have been enjoying the slower pace of life.
So join as as we have a great talk with Mindy.
Make sure to check out our sponsors:
Move Period
Diamond Umpire Academy
We have had a little time off to take care of our families and get back into the swing of life. School is back in session, sports are picking up and here we are trying to fit in the mix! Make sure to check out our sponsors: Move Period Diamond Umpire Academy
Tom Davis revisited Both Sides of the Mask to discuss more how sports have been adjusting to the reinstatement of the dead period and new state restrictions for sports. He gives us more great perspectives on how the increase with eligibility may play out for the next few years for the student-athletes and universities. Some areas that we covered were the ideal stages of how an athlete can prepare for their future and how they need to get recruited. Tom is an area director for StudentAthleteWorld.com and he considers himself the student athlete’s agent for the individual and their families. He creates realistic expectations for anyone that wants to explore the opportunities to continue their education and athletic career beyond high school and club sports. Tom also shares some success stories with his former and current athletes, his journeys with his accomplishments including his family, working the minors, coaching, mentoring, and dedicating his love for sports with so many people. We loved having Tom on again and for his insight and knowledge. This won’t be the last time we have Tom on this podcast. So much more to discover with his side of the sport. If you are looking for someone to represent your student-athlete, Tom Davis can help you create the future you are looking for. You can find Tom on Facebook at Tom Davis Recruiting and Sports forum. Tom Davis Contact information:
Facebook : Tom Davis Recruiting and Sports Forum https://facebook.com/tdavissaw https://facebook.com/tdaviswv
Email | Phone redsoxtd34@yahoo.com 412-508-9351 Lastly, thank you to our great sponsors Move Period and Diamond Umpire Academy. Move Period, Destini and her crew are amazing athletic trainers with great opportunities to help anyone that wants to continue to move. If your athlete at home needs some encouragement, you are an avid athlete yourself or if you are trying to stay on top of your game in between games or seasons...this is the place to check out their options. They have YouTube, their webpage and Facebook with their current programs and information. Check them out at Move Period! Diamond Umpire Academy, Christie and her staff provide quality training and development opportunities to fastpitch softball umpires of all levels. They have a staff of veteran elite and post season softball umpires are here to provide one-on-one and group training to help aspiring softball umpires reach their highest goals. Check out all the listed camps and dates available from their website and Facebook page.
It is awesome to see another generation want to take up a craft that seems to be a dying art. Support all of the officials you have, because you don't know who's son, daughter, sister or brother it is. Heck sometimes it is a dad or mom.
This next guest we have, has been an inspiration to us and to many others. Christie is an accomplished umpire, mentor and is currently a collegiate assignor for some top conferences, including the SEC. Her Diamond Umpire Academy continues to grow and so many umpires are seeing the impact that her camps are doing for their goals in umpiring. Not only is she successful with the softball side, she also works full time! The many amazing traits Christie has to keep everything together. As always, don’t forget to check out our Facebook page for all updates we provide with anything officiating. We try to help provide many resources that can help our community build a bridge of comradery. Thank you to our great sponsor Move Period. Destini and her crew are amazing athletic trainers with great opportunities to help any one that wants to continue to move. If your athlete at home needs some encouragement, you are an avid athlete yourself or if you are trying to stay on top of your game in between games or seasons...this is the place to check out their options. They have a YouTube page and a web page with their current programs and information. Check them out at Move Period!
We have a very special guest today that is one of our fellow colleagues in blue. Shane Jackson from Nashville, Tennessee will be discussing how he stays organized and balances family, work, umpiring and running umpire clinics within his hometown. Shane has 4 children that are heavily active in sports. His oldest is a student athlete in college. So many things to talk about how his family has dealt with all the changes. I’m sure he will go into some great detail!
We want to thank our sponsor Move Period. Destini Robinson and her crew in Pensacola will help customize a plan for you if you are trying to stay motivated and dedicated to a healthy lifestyle. If you are an athlete yourself, have a student athlete at home or if you are trying to stay healthy with your current sport you officiate, this is a great way to go. They have a webpage and a youtube channel to follow with all their great information. Move Period!
Brad Tittrington from Referee Magazine sits down to have a conversation with us about his officiating journey. He discusses his passion for sports that shortly turned into an interest in officiating. He also shares his passion for writing and editing which has given him the opportunities to be a respected editor with Referee Magazine. Brad gives us a sneak peek with the major changes for The Officiating Summit and how this can make a greater impact on future events. Come along with us, you’ll want the inside scoop!
What is going on in your head? We want to know. Leave us a message and answer the question posed to Liz. We are finding out all the different mental aspects of officiating. Flight Scope is making a big push into our game and now you are going to be recorded on how accurate you with your zone by teams you work for. How do we see our zone and how do we fix the issues we might have? Thanks as always to MOVE PERIOD for being a show sponsor!
We all have something that pushes us onward, something that drives us to the next stage. What is it for you? For PJ Gallardo, his story started as a coach. He won 2 Alabama State Championships as a High School coach. The time he spent with his daughter is something he will never forget, but as she moved to her next step...he also needed something else to keep him moving in a game he came to love. A few years later and now PJ has had post season accomplishments in all levels of NCAA Softball as an umpire. Join Liz and Tony as they find out what drove that passion.
Tony is back from the sandbox and Liz welcomes him back to her Podcast. Some rules talk and some thoughts on life.
Tony and Liz talk with Marty Abezetian, who is a 2 sport official in NCAA Division I. He is also part of the SUP staff as the video coordinator. They ask what it took for him to get into officiating and touch on instant replay.
Stay tune for a special clip after the episode!
On this episode Tony and Liz go over what the uniform and gear purchase look like. Most don't understand how much officials spend on gear. It is more than just a side gig to make a little money...in most cases we all have a deep passion for the sport we call and that is what keeps us coming back to the field, despite the harsh criticism we get.
Tony and Liz sit down with the founder of ump-attire.com, Jim Kirk! We talk uniforms and masks...both cloth and metal. You won't want to miss this one! It might be long, but it is good!
Life seems like a roller coaster right now and how prepared are we for life events? Liz and Tony talk to Tom Davis about the shake ups in the recruiting world during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Both sides of the Mask brings up topics and experiences from the week and weekend. How teams are evolving or deflating. Why are coaches moving on to another organizations? Are players accountable for their actions? OKC umpire camp kicked off with a great turn out and awesome evaluators. How are these topics in common? Are you a leader or a follower?
Liz and Tony might have lost their minds. Instead of one guest they decided that they should have three! But man oh man what a great talk it was. We hope you enjoy it
Tony and Liz go over how their weekend was. A show outlook to the future and ask the question. "How far do we run on the field?"
While the world around a us might not look the same...we can still be thankful for all the dads in our life. Whether it is coaching, watching or officiating...enjoy your day!
Liz and Tony talk with a special guest, that has more wisdom than you can imagine. While we maybe across the country from each other, we find a way to still come together!
We have been excited for this for awhile and it was such a fun time. We hope that you get something from it! You never know who someone is until you speak to them.
Things are getting back to a normal, but oh how crazy the world has gotten. We will get into life as it is right now. Less on officiating and more on this crazy life.
You never know what you are going to get into....but here we are. The team talks all over the map in this episode. What uniform are you wearing, how many masks do you wear, and how are we treating each other. On the field...we are all blue! Even if we wear black shirts.
Today we want to wish you a happy Memorial Day weekend, may you have a safe a fun time out there. We are talking about how the Covid-19 pandemic effected us and we would love to hear from you as well for how it effected you to. We all had some sort of impact and this is going to be a series with a couple more parts.
It is really to make an excuse and also place blame. You want success and you want respect? What are you doing to get it....maybe that is what is holding you back. Donald Miller says "Insecure people talk about themselves, confident people talk about others." Do you want to be rich in success or do you want to see the impact you left?
It is the communication sing-a-long. However, everything can't be put into a song.
This episode we go over the communication gaps, downfalls and finding the communication evolution. How do we talk to people around us is very important to our business life and our on field life.
The first ever episode. Who are we...what are we doing. Two umpires talk about more than umpiring. T4dtWzVBfv0vHBdCWKDs