#UmpiresAdvanceUnited #UnitedFamily
Mission Statement
"To elevate the game of baseball by providing a top-notch officiating experience rooted in professional integrity, innovative development, and a steadfast commitment to the #UnitedFamily. We strive to empower officials at every level, while serving our community partners through cutting-edge technology, elite mentorship, and an unwavering standard of excellence."
Founded in 2014, United Collegiate Umpires (UCU) is dedicated to advancing the standard of NCAA baseball officiating through education, accountability, and professional development.
Founded in 2019, United Travel Umpires (UTU) provides professional officiating services for travel and tournament baseball nationwide.
Founded in 2022, United Tri-State Umpires (UTS) serves amateur baseball organizations throughout the Tri-State region (NJ, NY, and PA) providing trained, accountable umpires upholding the values of professionalism, consistency, and integrity.
At the core of our mission is a commitment to the conferences and schools we serve. We recognize that every assignment is an investment; we are charged with ensuring those institutions receive a maximum return by meeting the high expectations entrusted to us. To fulfill this, we treat umpire development as a 12-month, year-round discipline.
A Track Record of Validation
Our training programs have been implemented across the country, including featured presentations for the NCAA Umpire Improvement Program. While we never take this validation for granted, it sends an unmistakable message to the officiating community: Our program works.
The result is clear: Our umpires gain a far greater understanding of evolving mechanics and, most importantly, they get better.
Leadership and Curriculum Development
While the organization of a training program often falls to the assignor, we believe umpires should learn from the most experienced instructors available nationwide. Our curriculum is led and developed by a dedicated team:
- National Director of Training: Brian deBrauwere
- Field Curriculum Director: Donnie Smith
Our Competitive Edge: Beyond the "Safe" Way
In many circles, training philosophies remain elusive. Some programs teach to the "lowest common denominator," allowing umpires to remain in a "safe" comfort zone without being challenged.
We take a different path. We introduce the "cutting edge" mechanics executed by the most accomplished NCAA umpires in the country. We foster a sense of healthy competition: you must seek to grow, or you risk being passed by those who are.
The Pillars of Our Clinics
- Purposeful Attendance: We expect umpires to arrive with one goal: to get better.
- On-Field Application: We bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and high-speed execution.
- The Mentor Role: We believe in a culture where veteran umpires embrace the sharing of knowledge to lift the entire staff.
- Small-Group Intimacy: By strictly limiting student numbers, we ensure personal instructor interaction. This guarantees you receive the attention your financial and personal commitment deserves.
A Comprehensive 12-Month Curriculum
Officiating excellence is a year-round pursuit. Our continuing education program is designed for Championship-level performance, covering:
- Multi-Man Mechanics: Intensive clinics for 2-man, 3-man, and 4-man crews.
- Game Philosophy: Deep dives into the "unwritten" art of game management.
- Rules Mastery: Rigorous classroom sessions to ensure precision in high-pressure moments.
The result is clear: Our umpires gain a far greater understanding of evolving mechanics and, most importantly, they get better.
The Three Pillars of United Umpires
To achieve our mission, United Umpires focuses on three core areas:
Innovation & Accuracy
We lead the industry by integrating high-speed video analysis and data-driven evaluations. By "evolving tradition" rather than just following it, we ensure our officials are the most technically proficient on the field.
Professional Development
(The Pipeline)
We are dedicated to the lifelong growth of our officials. Through a "360-degree learning experience," we provide the training and scouting necessary for umpires to advance from local travel ball to the NCAA World Series.
The #UnitedFamily Culture
Officiating is a shared craft. We foster a community of respect and camaraderie, ensuring our staff is supported by accessible leadership and a culture that prioritizes safety, sportsmanship, and the student-athlete experience.
