Both Sides of the Mask

Tony and Liz were back for an episode that started with an agenda but quickly spiraled into many different topics. Are you surprised? We gave our thoughts on how the upcoming spring season may look. We also touched base on how the possible changes can effect the schools with their possible travel plans. We are all scratching our heads trying to figure out how we need to be prepared for the future of scheduling. Lastly, we want to hear from you about how you are doing. What games have you been working? Are you getting ready for camps? How do you prepare for the off-season? We even started talking about what we wear under the uniform for the change of seasons. Is Tony crazy for wearing compression pants even in the summer heat? We love all suggestions and recommendations. Call us on our direct voicemail line and tell us what you do to prepare for the shift of weather. Our number is 330-552-7211 or email us at Bothsidesofthemask@gmail.com

Tony and Liz talk with Mindy Villa, a WBSC Umpire as well as a NCAA DI umpire in softball. Mindy talks about her start as an umpire and how she came to be a trainer in north San Diego for USA Softball. Not only that, but her and her husband moved half way across the US....started a new business and have been enjoying the slower pace of life. So join as as we have a great talk with Mindy. Make sure to check out our sponsors: Move Period Diamond Umpire Academy

We have had a little time off to take care of our families and get back into the swing of life. School is back in session, sports are picking up and here we are trying to fit in the mix! Make sure to check out our sponsors: Move Period Diamond Umpire Academy

Tom Davis revisited Both Sides of the Mask to discuss more how sports have been adjusting to the reinstatement of the dead period and new state restrictions for sports. He gives us more great perspectives on how the increase with eligibility may play out for the next few years for the student-athletes and universities.  Some areas that we covered were the ideal stages of how an athlete can prepare for their future and how they need to get recruited. Tom is an area director for StudentAthleteWorld.com and he considers himself the student athlete’s agent for the individual and their families. He creates realistic expectations for anyone that wants to explore the opportunities to continue their education and athletic career beyond high school and club sports.  Tom also shares some success stories with his former and current athletes, his journeys with his accomplishments including his family, working the minors, coaching, mentoring, and dedicating his love for sports with so many people. We loved having Tom on again and for his insight and knowledge. This won’t be the last time we have Tom on this podcast. So much more to discover with his side of the sport.  If you are looking for someone to represent your student-athlete, Tom Davis can help you create the future you are looking for. You can find Tom on Facebook at Tom Davis Recruiting and Sports forum.  Tom Davis Contact information: Facebook : Tom Davis Recruiting and Sports Forum https://facebook.com/tdavissaw https://facebook.com/tdaviswv Email | Phone redsoxtd34@yahoo.com 412-508-9351  Lastly, thank you to our great sponsors Move Period and Diamond Umpire Academy. Move Period, Destini and her crew are amazing athletic trainers with great opportunities to help anyone that wants to continue to move. If your athlete at home needs some encouragement, you are an avid athlete yourself or if you are trying to stay on top of your game in between games or seasons...this is the place to check out their options. They have YouTube, their webpage and Facebook with their current programs and information. Check them out at Move Period! Diamond Umpire Academy, Christie and her staff provide quality training and development opportunities to fastpitch softball umpires of all levels. They have a staff of veteran elite and post season softball umpires are here to provide one-on-one and group training to help aspiring softball umpires reach their highest goals. Check out all the listed camps and dates available from their website and Facebook page.

It is awesome to see another generation want to take up a craft that seems to be a dying art. Support all of the officials you have, because you don't know who's son, daughter, sister or brother it is. Heck sometimes it is a dad or mom.

This next guest we have, has been an inspiration to us and to many others. Christie is an accomplished umpire, mentor and is currently a collegiate assignor for some top conferences, including the SEC. Her Diamond Umpire Academy continues to grow and so many umpires are seeing the impact that her camps are doing for their goals in umpiring. Not only is she successful with the softball side, she also works full time! The many amazing traits Christie has to keep everything together. As always, don’t forget to check out our Facebook page for all updates we provide with anything officiating. We try to help provide many resources that can help our community build a bridge of comradery.  Thank you to our great sponsor Move Period. Destini and her crew are amazing athletic trainers with great opportunities to help any one that wants to continue to move. If your athlete at home needs some encouragement, you are an avid athlete yourself or if you are trying to stay on top of your game in between games or seasons...this is the place to check out their options. They have a YouTube page and a web page with their current programs and information. Check them out at Move Period!

We have a very special guest today that is one of our fellow colleagues in blue. Shane Jackson from Nashville, Tennessee will be discussing how he stays organized and balances family, work, umpiring and running umpire clinics within his hometown. Shane has 4 children that are heavily active in sports. His oldest is a student athlete in college. So many things to talk about how his family has dealt with all the changes. I’m sure he will go into some great detail! We want to thank our sponsor Move Period. Destini Robinson and her crew in Pensacola will help customize a plan for you if you are trying to stay motivated and dedicated to a healthy lifestyle. If you are an athlete yourself, have a student athlete at home or if you are trying to stay healthy with your current sport you officiate, this is a great way to go. They have a webpage and a youtube channel to follow with all their great information. Move Period!

What is going on in your head? We want to know. Leave us a message and answer the question posed to Liz. We are finding out all the different mental aspects of officiating. Flight Scope is making a big push into our game and now you are going to be recorded on how accurate you with your zone by teams you work for. How do we see our zone and how do we fix the issues we might have? Thanks as always to MOVE PERIOD for being a show sponsor!