About the Camp

Bruce Doane Sr. created a legacy of training umpires, first through his work on the field and later through the camp that now bears his name. He is pictured here with his son, Bruce Doane Jr., who has continued the tradition passed down from his father.

Bruce Doane Sr. had a vision — to create a first class training camp for amateur umpires. This vision has been a reality since 1991.

Bruce established this camp that now turns out over 100 umpires annually. It was his leadership that brought campers, instructors, players and administrators together to find common ground. That common ground was the betterment of amateur baseball through umpire improvement.

Bruce passed away at the age of 72. He is missed by the umpires he has trained and the baseball community he served. However, his legacy and vision will continue on through the continual improvement of amateur baseball promoted by the best umpire clinic in America — the Bruce Doane Sr. Umpire Camp.

Doane Camp's Own Mike Duffy
Umpires 2015 College World Series

We are justifiably proud of the umpiring accomplishments of our instructors, even if we do not spend time talking about them during the camp. This winter, we are particularly proud of our own Mike Duffy. Mike has experienced quite a transformation in the last year. He began working on his weight in the spring of 2014 and has to-date lost over 75 pounds. This last spring he was selected for and worked the Division I College World Series in Omaha, NE. The highlight of Mike's outstanding series was his work behind the plate in Vanderbilt's 1-0 victory over TCU. We are extremely happy for Mike and what he has accomplished both personally and through his umpiring over the past 18 months, and we are proud to call him our own.

Camp Directors

 Bruce Doane Jr. serves as our Camp Director. Bruce serves as the umpire supervisor and assignor for both the Wolverine Hoosier Athletic Conference and the Michigan Community College Athletic Association, and is also the co-assignor for the Crossroads League. In addition to these duties, he is still active on the field, having nearly 40 years umpiring experience. He is also the son of the camp's founder, Bruce Doane Sr., and was instrumental in creating the camp. Bruce's complete biography can be viewed on our staff page.

Mark Uyl Assistant Director of the Michigan High School Athletic Association, serves as our Chief of Instruction. He has been an active umpire for nearly 20 years and is a nationally recognized speaker concerning all aspects of amateur officiating. Read Mark's complete officiating biography on our staff page

Camp Staff

Instructors at the Bruce Doane Sr. Umpire Camp bring more than 300 years of umpiring experience at the high school, collegiate and professional levels. More importantly, they are dedicated to making you a stronger umpire and helping you reach your officiating goals. The staff will not waste your time with "war stories."

Hotel Information

Rooms will be available for campers at the Riverfront Hotel Grand Rapids at a special rate of $115 / night. This is the best rate available in the area. The cost of the room may be shared with a roommate.

• Individuals are responsible for hotel reservations.
• Price is good if booked before January 3rd.
• Riverfront Hotel phone number is 616.363.9001.

Additional Camp Information

Equipment and Dress

All campers should wear their uniform during Saturday and Sunday sessions. Umpires should also bring their plate equipment. Honig's Whistle Stop will be on-site selling equipment on Saturday.

Camp Questions

Please contact us using the information below if you have further questions regarding the camp.