I want to start by thanking you for participating as an official for Baseball Regina during the 2004 season. Your contributions to our league helped to ensure that youth in Regina have the opportunity to play baseball and we sincerely thank you!

We do recognize that 2004 presented a number of challenges for us in our umpiring area. A shortage of umpires in general, as well as available umpires per game, a payment process which delayed payment (vs. an immediate payment process), and an inconsistent scheduling process for all parks were just a few of the issues.

We recognize the importance of our umpires. You are a critical and absolutely essential part of our game. The Baseball Regina Board meets year round and I want to assure you that we are actively considering options to improve on all facets of our umpiring situation for next year.

In particular, we are looking to recruit some new volunteers to help put a more dedicated focus into coordinating our umpires, we're reviewing our scheduling processes, our payment rates and processes, and considering the possibility of subsidizing clinics to promote recruitment of new umpires.

We are also looking for any other ideas or input you may have and I'd invite you to pass along any comments you may have to me by email at lynn.tulloch@sasktel.net.

Improving our umpiring is a top priority for our league and you as an umpire are important to us. We look forward to revitalizing our umpire situation for the 2005 season - hope you'll be with us!

Yours in baseball,
Lynn Tulloch, President
Baseball Regina