Monday, September 26, 2011
Richard Houser
Hello. I would like to introduce myself to all my fellow umpires. My name is Richard Houser and I have been an NBUA member since 2007. Having been drawn to umpiring in the past dozen years I am now focusing all my attention to this wonderful American pastime. I have had the privilege of officiating sports for nearly 45 years. I have experience working basketball, track, softball, soccer and now baseball.
Having made baseball my officiating love I want to give back something to our great organization. I came to the NBUA from the wonderful world of soccer. I was used to the training provided by the USSF. And during my travels with organized soccer in the US I saw the fruits of a strong organization and structure to develop officials. I was greatly pleased to find this same organization and structure with the NBUA. It really made my transition from soccer to higher level baseball easier and very pleasant.
Because of this I would like to give back. When I was involved in soccer officiating I was an assessor and instructor to go along with my refereeing. I became an advocate for referee growth and an advocate for upward movement to improve officials’ image in the eyes of the players, coaches and clubs.
I would like to do the same in baseball. I believe I bring much to the table to assist in the growth of our organization. I am a career educator. I have worked hard as a member of NBUA to improve myself as an umpire. I have not obsessed with my own rating. I am a new tier B and enjoy the games I work. I have worked with many younger umpires (apprentices, Cs and fellow Bs) that I would love to assist in their upward movement.
I encourage all to give me the chance and vote for me as your new director.
Thank you