Above – Tina and Ted Barrett
UMPS CARE Charities had a busy schedule at the NASO Summit – an annual meeting for sports officials from 37 states across the country and seven nations around the world.
We started our time in Atlanta with a special fundraiser in memory of Jay Pierce, who passed away last year after a battle with colon cancer. Jay umpired professionally for seven years in the Gulf Coast, Appalachian, South Atlantic, Carolina, Eastern, and Southern Leagues. He was an instructor at the Harry Wendelstedt School for Umpires from 2010-2017. He joined the MLB staff in 2022.
Proceeds from this event will be used to run our Official Leadership Program course in Atlanta with the goal of teaching teens umpiring mechanics on the field and leadership skills in the classroom. Jasy was very involved in this effort before he passed away.
To register for the Official Leadership Program in Atlanta, click HERE
The next morning, we participated in a Game On! clinic hosted by our friends at Sports Officials Care. The introductory clinic, held at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School, featured several professional sports officials including UMPS CARE president Gary Darling, MLB Umpire Supervisors Jim Reynolds and Larry Young and retired MLB Umpire Ted Barrett.
We were honored to be invited to participate in the panel discussion titled “Innovation by Invitation.” Jennifer Jopling, our Senior Director of Programs and Development, did a fantastic job sharing details about our Official Leadership Program and how we are addressing the national shortage of umpires and getting teens to work as umpires!
Capping off the event was celebrating Ted as he was named the newest recipient of the NASO Gold Whistle Award – considered the highest honor in sports officiating.
Check out pics from all of these exciting events!
L to R – UMPS CARE President and retired MLB Umpire Gary Darling, MLB Umpire Supervisor Larry Young, Retired MLB Umpire Ted Barrett and Jim Reynolds after Ted was presented with the NASO Gold Whistle Award.
L to R Ted Barrett, retired NFL Referee Mark Baltz and Jim Reynolds
Ted Barrett delivering the kynote speech at the NASO Summit in Atlanta
Several UMPS CARE leaders participated in a Game On! clinic for teens in Atlanta. This was held by our partners at Sports Officials Care.
It was bittersweet to remember Jay Pierce, a mentor to many in the umpiring community. UMPS CARE raised funds to run our Official Leadership Program in Atlanta – an effort Jay played an integral role in before he passed away last year of colon cancer.
Jennifer Jopling was invited to speak at a NASO Summit session to highlight our Official Leadership Program and how we are training and inspiring the next generation of umpires.