tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930846219347221289Sun, 16 Jun 2013 18:46:47 +0000officiating blogskhsaa officialsThe <a href="http://www.Ump-Attire.com"><u>Ump-Attire.com</u></a> Blog<br>Company News and Insights from Jim Kirk and Teamhttp://umpattire.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Ump-Attire.com)Blogger349125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930846219347221289.post-3118410963541964669Wed, 10 Apr 2013 15:00:00 +00002013-04-10T10:00:01.769-05:00 Krista Wolf, office manager, works with Adam Carter, regional and group sales director on NCAA Baseball Clinic planning Myra Breit, customer service representative answers an email from a customer Paul Hugues (far left), VP/Director of Operations, advises photographer/umpire Tim Hendrick and model/referee Michael Neel on which lanyard to wear in photo shoot Krista steams a shirt forhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~3/0oI-9MTpz-M/assorted-staff-photos-reveal-diverse.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ump-Attire.com)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~4/0oI-9MTpz-M" height="1" width="1"/>http://umpattire.blogspot.com/2013/02/assorted-staff-photos-reveal-diverse.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930846219347221289.post-7720591601896512713Wed, 03 Apr 2013 16:36:00 +00002013-04-03T11:36:00.203-05:00At Ump-Attire.com we take customer service seriously. We have a culture among all staff to provide excellent service. Any feedback from customers good or bad is shared by all staff at all levels. Our CEO, Jim Kirk, recently stumbled across this comment posted on a blog mentioning an experience with Ump-Attire.com: "I ordered a pair of plate shoes just before Christmas. Right after I did I http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~3/LvLBetgUWCU/customer-service-serious-business-at.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ump-Attire.com)1<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~4/LvLBetgUWCU" height="1" width="1"/>http://umpattire.blogspot.com/2013/04/customer-service-serious-business-at.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930846219347221289.post-2254717468328650971Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:30:00 +00002013-03-27T08:30:00.652-05:00 Jim Kirk  and Tim Timmons I enjoyed yet another Umps Care Golf Classic where MLB umpires played golf and raised money. The misty morning rain didn't dampen spirits at the Raven Golf Club is Mesa, Arizona. "It's for the kids" was a frequent motto of the day. Although my team did not win the scramble, I feel I had the best crew there. I had the honor of playing with MLB umpire Tim Timmons http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~3/Hbme3sLUJJM/umps-care-golf-classic-2013.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ump-Attire.com)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~4/Hbme3sLUJJM" height="1" width="1"/>http://umpattire.blogspot.com/2013/03/umps-care-golf-classic-2013.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930846219347221289.post-4681079620288586411Wed, 20 Mar 2013 13:00:00 +00002013-03-20T08:00:17.085-05:00At The Umpire School, field work occurs with instructors creating situations for umpires using runners and fielders then hitting fungo to mimic live play. The runners and fielders are students. In the latter weeks, instructors act as managers and argue with the umpire students to help them learn handling situations. At times, this results in “managers” being ejected. On the final day http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~3/fralaHFAz4Q/student-ejects-presidentceo-jim-kirk-at.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ump-Attire.com)3<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~4/fralaHFAz4Q" height="1" width="1"/>http://umpattire.blogspot.com/2013/03/student-ejects-presidentceo-jim-kirk-at.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930846219347221289.post-8711539096250464483Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:00:00 +00002013-06-10T18:44:13.618-05:00 Jim and (retired) Fake Umps and Umps Care Supporters Tim Williams and Joe Farrell See the 'Fake Umps' in action with this video http://vimeo.com/8874881 Related Posts Jim is Named to Umps Care Charities Board of Directors 2011 Umps Care Charities Golf Marathon Pink Whistle Campaign a Success with $2,000 Donation Posted by Jim Kirk, CEO/President of Ump-Attire.com http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~3/lMavqHDTWOo/fake-umps-sighting-at-umps-care-event.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ump-Attire.com)1<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~4/lMavqHDTWOo" height="1" width="1"/>http://umpattire.blogspot.com/2013/03/fake-umps-sighting-at-umps-care-event.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930846219347221289.post-8127943586337104294Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:00:00 +00002013-03-07T13:54:38.949-05:00 Ramsey, Gray and Zirbel One of the best parts of our job here at Ump-Attire.com?  Getting to see some of the officials we outfit in action!  Adam Carter, our Regional and Group Sales Director, recently had the opportunity to attend the Louisville Invitational Tournament (LIT) on January 15th.  Dale Ramsey and Gerald Gray (a former Harlen Globetrotter) as well as Keith Zirbel http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~3/Tirye4qDrIU/just-part-of-job-ump-attirecom-checks.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ump-Attire.com)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~4/Tirye4qDrIU" height="1" width="1"/>http://umpattire.blogspot.com/2013/03/just-part-of-job-ump-attirecom-checks.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930846219347221289.post-5214505744120538631Wed, 27 Feb 2013 13:00:00 +00002013-02-27T08:00:07.555-05:00 Manzella Trekker Windstopper Gloves Winter weather can be unpredictable and extremely cold for those of you officiating outside.  We asked our Facebook fans the following question:  BRRRR! If you think it's the coldest where you live today, tell us where and what the temperature is. Coldest gets warmed up by a free pair of Manzella Gloves. 58 of you responded and here are some of the http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~3/06LMreEhJ54/congrats-and-pair-of-manzella-gloves-to.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ump-Attire.com)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~4/06LMreEhJ54" height="1" width="1"/>http://umpattire.blogspot.com/2013/02/congrats-and-pair-of-manzella-gloves-to.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930846219347221289.post-4292343748960403027Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:00:00 +00002013-02-21T09:00:01.090-05:00 Umpire-Empire.com recently revealed the list of the top products earning their OUT (Outstanding Umpire Tool) Award for 2012.  We are proud to carry more than 10 of these winning products.  Here is a list of the 'best' you'll find right here at Ump-Attire.com: Best Umpire Hockey Style Mask All-Star System 7 Best Umpire Mask Wilson Titanium Umpire Mask Best Umpire Chest Protector Wilsonhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~3/sHDIHcsVlfc/umpire-empirecom-provides-best-products.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ump-Attire.com)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~4/sHDIHcsVlfc" height="1" width="1"/>http://umpattire.blogspot.com/2013/02/umpire-empirecom-provides-best-products.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930846219347221289.post-9055552924766778477Tue, 19 Feb 2013 13:30:00 +00002013-02-19T08:30:02.411-05:00As Official Supplier to The Umpire School, one of only two professional umpire schools, we were on-site for the entire 4 work course. From providing gear to helping students on how to properly wear their equipment, this year was a team effort with 3 staff members covering. Jim stands with Minor League Umpire Chase Eade at the end of the uniform and safety presentation. Jim Kirk, CEO, http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~3/ofKOY_iwFMA/staff-members-take-care-of-business-at.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ump-Attire.com)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~4/ofKOY_iwFMA" height="1" width="1"/>http://umpattire.blogspot.com/2013/02/staff-members-take-care-of-business-at.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930846219347221289.post-135289830314835306Tue, 12 Feb 2013 22:44:00 +00002013-02-12T17:51:16.662-05:00 Umpire-Empire.com recently revealed their First Annual Outstanding Umpire Tools (OUT) Awards for 2012. Here at Ump-Attire.com, we were honored and humbled to be named 'Best Retailer'.  Here's what Umpire-Empire.com had to say about this award and selection: Best Retailer: The panel selected Ump-Attire.com due to their incredible commitment to customer service as well as their  http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~3/Soj8ffIFvjM/ump-attirecom-honored-to-be-named.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ump-Attire.com)2<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~4/Soj8ffIFvjM" height="1" width="1"/>http://umpattire.blogspot.com/2013/02/ump-attirecom-honored-to-be-named.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930846219347221289.post-2120807234087877972Tue, 12 Feb 2013 22:28:00 +00002013-02-12T17:50:02.403-05:00 Krista meeting and greeting! Our own Myra and Krista recently had the opportunity to attend the Chicago NCAA Umpire Clinic. Both ladies found the event educational and exciting. There were even a few curve-balls thrown their way during the trip. Here's their account: "The trip to Chicago began with a bit of scare as we were nearly run off the road by a semi but thanks to Krista's quick http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~3/9P0Cn5rnE90/myra-and-krista-take-on-ncca-chicago.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ump-Attire.com)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~4/9P0Cn5rnE90" height="1" width="1"/>http://umpattire.blogspot.com/2013/02/myra-and-krista-take-on-ncca-chicago.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930846219347221289.post-7005101263913100998Wed, 06 Feb 2013 13:00:00 +00002013-02-06T08:00:05.169-05:00 Ump-Attire.com is proud to continue our partnership with the Prostate Cancer Foundation providing education, awareness and financial support.  Prostrate cancer affects one in six men and is the most common non-skin cancer in America. Being that most of our staff and customers are men - prostate cancer awareness is an important issue we felt we needed to bring some attention to! In 2012 we http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~3/81SuGWB9HBg/stay-in-game-raising-funds-and.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ump-Attire.com)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~4/81SuGWB9HBg" height="1" width="1"/>http://umpattire.blogspot.com/2013/02/stay-in-game-raising-funds-and.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930846219347221289.post-6756468718801700168Wed, 30 Jan 2013 13:00:00 +00002013-01-30T08:00:13.630-05:00 King of Bluegrass Tourney, Photo Credit: Courier Journal It's been said that sports officials have the best seat in the house. Through our involvement with providing gear and apparel to those on the court or on the field, we often have a unique perspective while in attendance at sporting events. You could say we have the second best seat in the house. Rick Pitino and Brandon Lawson On http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~3/B36zuk10jX4/staff-have-second-best-seat-in-house-at.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ump-Attire.com)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~4/B36zuk10jX4" height="1" width="1"/>http://umpattire.blogspot.com/2013/01/staff-have-second-best-seat-in-house-at.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930846219347221289.post-6429527084256212014Wed, 23 Jan 2013 13:30:00 +00002013-01-23T08:30:00.158-05:00 2013 Baseball Umpire Catalog We are pleased to share with you our 2013 Baseball Umpire Catalog! So what's new for 2013?  We've added four pages to the catalog to include more masks and accessories.  And you'll find lots of new items too! We've redesigned our layout as well - to focus more on the products and give you a better side by side comparison of similar products.  We hope you find thishttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~3/NwvmY63XWJU/new-ump-attirecom-baseball-catalog-hot.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ump-Attire.com)3<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~4/NwvmY63XWJU" height="1" width="1"/>http://umpattire.blogspot.com/2013/01/new-ump-attirecom-baseball-catalog-hot.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930846219347221289.post-3703099152321085190Wed, 16 Jan 2013 13:30:00 +00002013-01-22T14:03:07.099-05:00 Beulah Hester, 2012 SBA Winner A big congratulations go out to Beulah Hester, the 2012 recipient of the Kentucky Small Business Success Story award. We purchased Ump-Attire.com from Beulah, and we continue to carry her products. All of her apparel and gear is made in the USA, a rarity for officials apparel. You'll find Beulah's items with the Ump-Attire brand name here on our site. We http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~3/TyVm5HYwxHc/maker-of-ump-attire-products-wins.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ump-Attire.com)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~4/TyVm5HYwxHc" height="1" width="1"/>http://umpattire.blogspot.com/2013/01/maker-of-ump-attire-products-wins.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930846219347221289.post-8446354713339196604Wed, 09 Jan 2013 13:00:00 +00002013-01-09T08:00:06.269-05:00 We wanted to give you, our loyal followers, a sneak peak at our new ad that will be appearing in the February issue of Referee Magazine.  We’ve been wanting to do an ad like this for some time and couldn’t think of anyone better than Clarence Coleman to highlight as we consider him to be an umpiring legend. Clarence is a 5 time Divsion 1 JUCO World Series Umpire, former http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~3/hM9TfsRg0tw/look-for-ump-attirecom-in-referee.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ump-Attire.com)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~4/hM9TfsRg0tw" height="1" width="1"/>http://umpattire.blogspot.com/2013/01/look-for-ump-attirecom-in-referee.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930846219347221289.post-752731372462661892Tue, 01 Jan 2013 16:29:00 +00002013-01-01T11:32:40.671-05:00 This has been our best year ever! Here are the top 10 highlights. We were named PBUC and Minor League Baseball's Exclusive Supplier.In 2013, minor league umpires will wear shirts, jackets and pants provided by us. We had our best year ever in sales and orders. The first year as Official Supplier to The Umpire School was an overwhelming success. We added several popular brands including Nutty http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~3/-Pdy8-u8s0E/the-year-in-review-top-10-highlights.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ump-Attire.com)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~4/-Pdy8-u8s0E" height="1" width="1"/>http://umpattire.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-year-in-review-top-10-highlights.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930846219347221289.post-8018828585529373173Tue, 01 Jan 2013 15:23:00 +00002013-01-01T10:23:03.494-05:00For the 5th straight year, we will be connecting with customers and showcasing umpire gear and apparel at the NCAA Umpire Clinics. If you are looking to preview some of the newest and/or most innovative products currently on the market, we'll have available: Rite-Temp Endurance Pads New Diamond Big League masks New Reebok Zig Plate and Base Shoes Team Wendy Replacement Padding New Champro http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~3/4QlNpK_gqjY/ump-attirecom-attending-upcoming-ncaa.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ump-Attire.com)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~4/4QlNpK_gqjY" height="1" width="1"/>http://umpattire.blogspot.com/2013/01/ump-attirecom-attending-upcoming-ncaa.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930846219347221289.post-4115994777886982443Wed, 26 Dec 2012 14:00:00 +00002012-12-26T09:00:03.312-05:00Jim Arehart is the marketing director of Referee Magazine/NASO (National Association of Sporting Goods). In the Louisville area for the NCAA Final Four Volleyball Tourney, Jim stopped by our office for a little Q&A with staff and a little pie. Staff brought questions ahead of time, and we were enlightened on subjects such as the process of developing the magazine each month, how cover photos http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~3/x1dQ01tHOBk/referee-magazinenasos-jim-arehart-visits.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ump-Attire.com)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~4/x1dQ01tHOBk" height="1" width="1"/>http://umpattire.blogspot.com/2012/12/referee-magazinenasos-jim-arehart-visits.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930846219347221289.post-5448017703752511813Tue, 18 Dec 2012 13:00:00 +00002012-12-19T12:20:10.918-05:00 Baseball Winter Meetings, Photo Credit: Yahoo-Sports I recently had the opportunity to participate in the Baseball Winter Meetings sponsored by Minor League Baseball in Nashville. This event can best be described as part trade show (mostly things for ball parks), part media coverage for MLB players/free agents trades going on (I wasn't a part of that) and part entry level job fair for http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~3/eiMXSRJ6HBE/baseball-winter-meetings-in-nashville.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ump-Attire.com)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~4/eiMXSRJ6HBE" height="1" width="1"/>http://umpattire.blogspot.com/2012/12/baseball-winter-meetings-in-nashville.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930846219347221289.post-8021847667799496310Wed, 12 Dec 2012 20:30:00 +00002012-12-12T15:30:00.990-05:00We are borderline embarrassed to say we have never taken a staff photo, at least not a formal one. That is, until last week. (drum roll please) Not a bad looking bunch, huh? Who's who back row (l to r): Micah White is our newest customer service rep and by far our biggest Alabama fan. Jace Stone is the warehouse manager of the three guys to his left who are all responsible for getting yourhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~3/e0qYzJlKjjE/finally-staff-photo.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ump-Attire.com)4<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~4/e0qYzJlKjjE" height="1" width="1"/>http://umpattire.blogspot.com/2012/12/finally-staff-photo.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930846219347221289.post-1470784013032554539Thu, 06 Dec 2012 13:00:00 +00002012-12-06T12:00:48.161-05:00We asked our facebook fans as umpires and referees what they are thankful for?  We were overwhelmed by the responses - over of 100 of you took time to comment and also inspired by what you shared.  Here is a sample of some of your comments that we are thankful for: Chris Waters:  I am thankful for what this great game has taught me.  That I have had the opportunity to learn - and to work on and http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~3/Iijt3mplfpE/lots-to-be-thankful-for-as-official.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ump-Attire.com)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~4/Iijt3mplfpE" height="1" width="1"/>http://umpattire.blogspot.com/2012/12/lots-to-be-thankful-for-as-official.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930846219347221289.post-7418881043055389048Mon, 05 Nov 2012 14:30:00 +00002012-11-05T09:30:01.685-05:00Congratulations to Robin Grisson - winner of our Champro Gear Bag give-away!  We asked our Facebook fans to share our post about this new 36" Champro wheeled bag for a chance to win one of their own and over 100 of you took us up on the challenge!  Looks like are followers are excited about the all-terrain wheels and dual compartments for gear and clothing this bag offers at a value price.  http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~3/oN8Gc1Phf5w/congrats-to-champro-gear-bag-winner.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ump-Attire.com)0<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~4/oN8Gc1Phf5w" height="1" width="1"/>http://umpattire.blogspot.com/2012/11/congrats-to-champro-gear-bag-winner.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930846219347221289.post-450593116437268232Tue, 30 Oct 2012 13:00:00 +00002012-10-30T08:00:11.365-05:00Congratulations to Tim Kerber winner of our drawing for a free subscription to Referee Magazine! Over 80 of you entered our contest on Facebook and shared your 'likes' about this magazine.  Some of our favorite comments mentioned the monthly quizzes, rule highlights, scenarios and mechanics info. It's clear Referee Magazine is popular with our fans too! www.referee.com If you didn't win - http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~3/zXCGKauZFZg/congratulations-to-referee-magazines.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ump-Attire.com)1<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~4/zXCGKauZFZg" height="1" width="1"/>http://umpattire.blogspot.com/2012/10/congratulations-to-referee-magazines.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930846219347221289.post-1307236908200474683Wed, 24 Oct 2012 18:03:00 +00002012-10-24T13:03:18.529-05:00Hats off to all the hard-working MiLB Umpires who wrapped up an impressive season, umpiring 10,740 games. We gave our Facebook fans a chance to win a MiLB cap by guessing how many games from rookie level up were played this year. MiLB Cap for our Winner! It's hats on for our winner Doug Wagner.  He guessed 11,225 games and was within 485 games off the actual number - just 5 games closer to http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~3/BCr5UZcLVLE/doug-warner-wins-contest-with-closest.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ump-Attire.com)1<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OfficiallyUn-official/~4/BCr5UZcLVLE" height="1" width="1"/>http://umpattire.blogspot.com/2012/10/doug-warner-wins-contest-with-closest.html