Monday, September 26, 2011
Mark Clough
I have been a member of the NBUA for 6 years. My commitment, perseverance, hard work, dedication, loyalty and exhibiting a passion for the game of baseball are clear cut reasons why I am interested in continuing to serve on the NBUA Board.
For those of you that don’t know me, after completing my 1st year of umpiring with the NBUA, I rose from the Apprentice ranks to becoming a B Level Umpire in my 1st year. I was selected as the NBUA Rookie of the Year 2006. I have served on 3 NBUA committees. The Recruiting & Retention, Evaluation & Training Committees. I was voted to serve on the BOD this past year. I served in several capacities as a current member of the NBUA BOD. As a member of the Mentor-Mentee Committee, I assigned all the Mentees to their Mentors. One of my responsibilities was to train the B Tier on how to use the new Arbiter Assigning System we adopted this past year. Additionally, I was assigned the task of assisting NBUA umpires with questions/concerns regarding Arbiter throughout the season.
In 2007, I introduced to the NBUA Board, a concept that I call “Rookie 2 Rookie.” “R2R” is a weekly e-mail blast sent out by myself to the entire Apprentice class.
I have a passion for the newer umpires and training. With the transferrable skill sets I bring from both the hospitality & sales industries, these are invaluable to the ongoing training within the NBUA.
I have so many ideas that I would like to put forward. Ideas such as building the Mentor/Mentee relationships throughout the entire season. It is my belief that the NBUA is always seeking for new and creative ways to train and conduct ongoing training for all umpires. I believe I have some of those ideas and level of creativity. I have a strong interest in remaining on the evaluation committee and becoming an integral part in growing our newer umpires.
On a more personal note, I am married and have 3 wonderful kids. My wife Jody is retired from Boeing (33 years). We keep a home in the Issaquah Highlands. I have worked for Food Services of America for 12 years as a Sales Associate. Additionally, I am a have been a basketball referee for the PNBOA and SOWB for 6 years.
My professional experience, passion for umpiring/training and just the shear love of the game I believe, makes me a sound candidate choice for the upcoming NBUA Board of Directors openings. I will continue to work diligently to achieve the objectives and tasks put forward. I am organized and work well with others. I humbly ask for your support and vote @ this time.
I want to thank you for your continued support, loyalty and dedication to the Northwest Baseball Umpires Association.