Editor’s Message
With a nod to the Scottish-American naturalist, John Muir, the Pacific Northwest was calling, and I needed to go! And now, I am returned, renewed and refreshed. Special thank you to Michael Chmar who held it down for me (and YOU, dear readers…) as he spent some quality time in the big chair here at Blue Crew News helming the last edition.
As always, President Maher awaits you all with his usual address. Dave’s got all the latest on this week’s association outing as well as a brief review of 2026 NFHS rules changes and finally some updates regarding annual business for the association. Grab the latest President’s Message here.
Calendar
Association Meetings
- Monday, Sept 14 - Virtual - 7:00 pm
Save the Date
- Thursday, July 17 – Umpire Night @ Capital One Ballpark, Tysons VA
- Saturday, December 6 - 2025 Association Banquet, Vienna Legion Post 180, 330 Center Street N, Vienna, VA – 7:00 pm
Presidents Message
Regarding our night out this Thursday, please remember the following. There is a double-header scheduled for 4:00PM and 6:30PM. I will be there at 4PM and I encourage you to come whenever you like and stay until the end of the second game if you wish.
Rules
In this issue, Greg reviews coach’s appeals. When should Umpires consider, accept/= or reject a Coach’s appeal. Review his article and see the simple table to help umpires decide when or when not to consider granting a coach’s appeal.
Umpire Profile
Gary Reals is back with another gem of an interview. This month, Gary profiles an iconic umpire of the association, Dale Fitzpatrick. Dale’s multi-faceted career has its roots in small-town Elyria, Ohio, about 20 miles west of Cleveland.
Umpire Development
2025 Summer Clinics
This summer, step into the ranks of top-tier NCAA umpires with MAC-UCU’s intensive advanced clinics. Designed for ambitious umpires ready to dominate at the highest levels, these aren’t your average training sessions—they’re your gateway to officiating excellence.
2-Umpire Clinics
July 29-Aug 2 – Union, NJ
Aug 6-10 – Cortland, NY
3-Umpire Clinics
July 17-20 • Fairfax, VA
July 22-29 • Montclair, NJ
BCN Staff/Contributors
- Editor – Robert Fobian
- Co-Editor – Tim Strutzel
- Co-Editor – Mike Chmar
- Presidents Message – Dave Maher
- Mechanics – Paul Porto
- Rules – Greg McEvoy & Vin Vena
- Umpire Profile – Gary Reals
Letters to the editors welcome at [email protected]