Interactive College Umpire Mechanics 2002

A CD-ROM by Epic Sports Software
Fastpitch Edition

There are two questions that constantly come into this website. The first asks for information on becoming an umpire and the second goes something like this: “I am looking for a piece of software or video that can help me with my mechanics.  Do you have any suggestions?”

Up until recently there were very few things you could recommend; now I have a clear suggestion for many of our umpires who work on the small diamond.

“Interactive College Umpire Mechanics 2002” by Epic Sports Software is the first of a series of computer programs designed to teach and review base mechanics.  The software is available, on the same disk) for both the Mac and PC.  This initial offering focuses on Softball and Fastpitch, or small diamond coverage in two and three umpire formats however Vic Cherubini, the Epic Software Group president, informs me that a Baseball version is in development.

Who should be interested in this software?

• Any umpire who works on the 60’ diamond at any level, from house level youth leagues to high-end competition
• Any umpire who has to instruct, teach umpires or run a mechanics clinic
• Leagues and Associations who want to bring all of their umpires on to one page and provide then with first-class learning tools.

There were several clear “pluses” for the software.

The software does not install any applications on your hard disk.  It runs directly from the CD without an installation process.

The interface is intuitive. No complex manual is required.  Right from the start you are selecting the situations you want to learn, review or present

Two and Three umpire mechanics are covered, in literally every game combination possible.

The graphics are clear, crisp and well done.  It is easy to follow the ball, the runners, and the umpires as the situation develops.

The cost was extremely low, particularly since the bonuses offered on the disk were easily worth more then the software.  Not at bad deal for under $20.00

In addition to the Umpire Mechanics program, the disk also contained several bonus features including:

• a searchable 2002 NCAA Rule Book (in PDF format)
• an Umpire Handbook of Softball Rules Differences authored by John Bennett provided a detailed examination of the interpretation differences between ASA, NCAA and Federation games (in PDF format).
• a book offer for “A Stitch In Time”
• an animated Signal Chart
• a Softball Song
• an interesting screensaver

This is a complete and comprehensive package.  Not only can you set up a play, run that play and observe the reaction of the umpires, clicking on an umpire brings up a text description of why, and how the umpire responded.  Want to see it again?  Easy!  A CD-like control panel allows you to move stop the action, replay, or break the play down into tiny steps

Pick the number of runners, pick the hit, pick anything you might encounter during a regular game, and let it go.  My regular partner and I spent several pleasurable hours running through scenarios and discussing how our normal coverage pattern differed slightly, or how we were exactly the same as the patterns the software demonstrated. It was a welcome learning experience.

Both Two and Three Umpire Coverage Included

While most umpires work in two-umpire coverage, there are times during the season where three-umpires coverage becomes the norm.  For many, this is unfamiliar territory.  The CD includes the same thorough demonstration of these coverage patterns available from the main menu or at the touch of a button in the right corner of the screen. The simulations and explanations are absolutely excellent.

I ran into only one difficulty with the software.  It did not recognize that I had a current Acrobat Reader package installed.  (Actually, I have the complete Acrobat package installed)  The disks shipped with version 4.05, and the software attempted to install that version from the CD.  Vic Cherubini assures me that they are aware of this, and looking into a solution for future releases.

The Cost

The Softball/Fastpitch Mechanics CD is priced at $19.95 (US$) plus $4.95 for shipping and handling. (International orders may have higher shipping costs) Additional discounts are available for group purchases (20 or more).  Many leagues and conferences have purchased multiple units and gave each of their umpires who attended their clinics a copy.

Epic Software has a web site (http://www.epicsoftware.com) that is loaded with all sorts of information.  It took some searching down the left side menu, but there were links to the software and ordering it.

You will find an order form on Epic Software’s web site at: http://www.epicsoftware.com/of6a.shtml.  They also accept fax orders at (281) 292-9700 and phone orders at: (281) 363-3742.

The Future

The future?  On the disk is a unique look at the direction the software may be headed in the future, but more important to many umpires is what the company president informed me of.

Baseball Version In The Works!

Epic Software are working on a Baseball Umpire CD right now.  Dave Yeast, the NCAA coordinator of Umpires has been in their office to review the 2 man play animations, and help refine points of 3 and 4 umpire coverage. They will have a baseball CD available for sale early (January) 2003.

They will only be duplicating 2000 of these CD's, so if any reader wants a reminder, send an email to epic@epicsoftware.com, and when the program is done they will let you know.  The price for the baseball CD has not been set yet.

Epic Software has also been commissioned by the NCAA to do another CD that features a number of video clips of Baseball Umpires in a number of play situations.  That CD will be formally announced in December, and should be an invaluable training tool for both seasoned and rookie umpires.

If that is not enough, Epic Software is also working on multimedia CD's for high school officials in the following sports: baseball, softball, football, basketball, and soccer.  They will be sold through Human Kinetics, the largest sports publisher in North America in July of 2003.

Umpires are hungry for good quality training tools at affordable prices Unlike many coaches, who are supported by their leagues or schools, most umpires are independent contractors, and very sensitive to the costs of perusing their passion.

This is one of the best I have seen.  Sign me up for the Baseball version as soon as it comes available.

- hitting it all the way out of the park to a five plate rating! (5/5)

Contact Information

Vic Cherubini
President
epic software group, inc.
701 Sawdust Road
The Woodlands, TX  77380

(281) 363-3742 (phone)
(281) 292-9700 (fax)

epic@epicsoftware.com (email)

http://www.epicsoftware.com (web)

..... reviewed on November 20, 2002