As part of its officials recruiting and education program, the Iowa High School Athletic Association will be hosting FREE baseball umpire clinics around the state in April. Five clinics have been scheduled through the assistance of host member schools.

Dates and sites follow.

Wednesday, April 1, 2015 (6:15-9:00 PM) ……………………………………. Algona High School
Wednesday, April 8, 2015 (6:15-9:00 PM) …………………………… West Delaware, Manchester HS
Wednesday, April 15, 2015 (6:15-9:00 PM) …………………………………….. Ames High School
Wednesday, April 22, 2015 (6:15-9:00 PM) …………………………… Iowa City, West High School
Wednesday, April 29, 2015 (6:15-9:00 PM) ……………….. Denison (Denison-Schleswig) High School

Equipment needed for the clinics is: an umpire mask and umpire cap. Other items for new officials as well as veterans will be available for purchase at each site. The Clinic will cover positioning for calling balls and strikes, base coverage, new rules and overall baseball umpiring mechanics.

Anyone interested in getting involved in umpiring at any level is welcome free of charge. Those desiring to umpire at the high school level, must register with the Iowa High School Athletic Association. Information can be obtained at www.iahsaa.org click on officials at the top of the page, click on online registration, fill out the paper work and use a debit or credit card to pay your dues. You will receive a password for your account.

From April 27-May 5 umpires will be able to take the online open book exam, which must be passed and view the online rules meeting. Those having questions can call Roger Barr, Director of Officials at 515-432-2011.