NWA Umpire Academy

04/05/2026

Umpires, this is just a reminder. If you are working non sanctioned ball games and you are injured, you need to see if the people you are working for actually have liability and/or health insurance to cover the officials working the games.

It would suck to see someone lose time on the field and income due to an injury or worse while working non sanctioned events.

Those non sanctioned tournaments and friendly round robins may seem like a great deal until they aren’t.

03/26/2026

Tonight concluded my spring clinics. Many thanks to those who came out!

03/07/2026

At the NWA USSSA Clinic, we had 12 people in attendance under the age of 19. I have more attending classes.

Some folks will tell you the best way to run games is to only use officials who have been around forever. The ones who work the college level. The ones who have given a lifetime to the game.

I understand that thinking. I’m one of those officials. I’ve poured my heart, sweat, and tears into this game.

But as an assignor, I’ve chosen to approach the problem a little differently.

For years we’ve all heard the same thing: we’re losing umpires at a rate that isn’t sustainable. If nothing changes, eventually there won’t be anyone left to call the games.

So instead of just talking about it, we’re doing something about it.

On any weekend tournament or league I schedule, you might see someone in their 60’s behind the plate… or you might see a 16-year-old still playing the game learning how to officiate it. You might also see a retired coach, a mother, a father and grandfather from the stands.

Does that mean we’ll take some lumps sometimes? Sure.

Does it mean some experienced umpires may not get as many games as they’re used to? Sometimes.

But just like a coach starting a team in C class and letting them grow before moving up, we’re doing the same with officials.

We’re building something that lasts.

And that’s something not many organizations can honestly say. Because if we don’t start them now, there won’t be anyone left later.

The game itself has a way of quietly reminding all of us:
“Everyone was new once.”

03/04/2026

Tonight’s class at memorial park is canceled due to impending weather. We will be back next week working on the field with scrimmages.

02/10/2026

We are going to postpone the clinic originally scheduled for Friday February 13th in Alma and combine it with NWA clinic on February 22nd in Bentonville. I realize this is inconvenient for some, and for that I apologize. It was just an inconvenient time/date for most and it would have been rushed to get through.

We will have a formal, one day/all day clinic in August for those in the River Valley. Sometimes with growth comes challenges, and this is one of those times. Myself and the area UIC's will be working on plans all spring and taking notes throughout to put on the best clinic possible with more time for all those wanting to attend.

Thank you,

Ray Burwell
Arkansas USSSA State UIC

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02/09/2026

Don't forget, free clinics begin this Wednesday evening, 6pm, at Memorial park in Bentonville.

Looking to add to my roster for Leagues and tournaments.

RB

Wednesday evenings, 6pm, beginning February 11th Memorial Park, Bentonville, Ar We will learn from the beginning for brand new umpires and teach others, with some fantastic mentors as well. Bring pen, paper, open mind and be prepared to become the next great umpire. There is no cost to attend.

02/03/2026

The world of umpires is pretty small, and it is rare we don’t connect the dots for everyone to know someone who knows that one person.

Today I’ve read the news of Bob Shallenburger passing. I’ve known Bob for years, worked games with him, he umpired games my kids played in and he was always a guy who, without a doubt, was there for the kids playing the game. He mentored many an umpire.

And then, within an hour, I get a text about a guy who helped people in many ways others never knew about. I joke with baseball umpires and they often joke with me over the differences, but we are all a part of the same brotherhood. Brian Preece was a staple in this area for those on the field with the little white ball.

I guess there’s a need for umpires in heaven too. Godspeed sirs. We’ve got the next game covered, but we won’t be able to do it in quite the same manner.

01/25/2026

The River Valley Clinic is going to be a great opportunity to meet some folks I've never met before! With over 20 events scheduled in the Rive Valley from Ft Smith all the way past it to Russelville, there will be work for those who want to be on the field. See you there!

February 13th 6-9pm Overtime Athletics 1913 Hwy 162 Alma, Arkansas This is a no cost clinic. We will look at rule changes, take some time to go over some mechanics, plate meetings, dealing with coaches. Hopefully we can get a little time in with at least some live pitching. I will stay until the las...

01/17/2026