Q: I’m thinking of joining the Premier membership of AA Level or higher but how do I make sure it’s worth it?

A: START HERE and there are ALSO links on the “Free Stuff” page that will take you to different video samples, diagram lessons, articles by Vic Voltaggio and Bugsy, past “UT News” newsletters and links to our “YouTube” site which has many videos on it.



Q: Why do you charge when other sites are free?

A: Well generally speaking if you research it thoroughly, you’ll see the good sites do charge a fee for their, as I would say “meaty stuff”.  And the free sites and blogs are interesting but you get a lot of misinformation from umpires that have not be formally, professionally trained with as many years experience as myself (Bugsy) and Vic Voltaggio BUT not only as umpires we both have over 40 years in training, teaching and instruction experience.   Plus, I know the amateur game as well as anybody.  I ran an umpire group in Florida for 4 years dealing with men’s leagues, high schools and colleges.   And believe me, Vic knows his stuff too.   You can’t go wrong with our fees, we have many options and there’s no contracts or lack of options.   Some sites only offer yearly options.  We offer monthly, quarterly and yearly!  And you can cancel anytime.

Q: Why do you have the same DVD full lessons on BUGSY NATION?

A: I want everybody to have a chance to have good training.  Generally the DVDs cost more except for special sales.  Also, the DVDs are another option for people who would rather watch lessons on their television.

Q:  How is pro teaching different from amateur baseball?

A:  Well, I try hard not to be biased but I’m a big fan of Pro teaching of officials for any sport but there are differences.  Some in mechanics but mostly the differences are in the way you handle situations, such as irate coaches, players who are mad, etc., etc.  Otherwise what you’ll find with us is a solid foundation of how to do it right and then make sure you go to your association leader or group leader/trainer and make sure how they want it done.  Our foundation will help you understand anything they tell you they want you to do.   We teach you the very important little things that most sites and amateur umpires don’t know because they’ve never been formally trained.   BUT VERY IMPORTANT: you will also get from us how to apply everything we teach you to the amateur game of baseball.   We have amateur consultants from all over the country too, to make sure Vic and I are “right on” with our training philosophies for you.

Q:  Should I buy all the materials and join Bugsy Nation?

A:  I’m not one to up-sell everything but seriously, grab any and all materials you can from us because Vic Voltaggio and I WILL TEACH YOU the right way to umpire.  The advantage of joining BUGSY NATION?  Real time updates, and questions answered (many times) with video demonstration.  Whereas the written material, DVDs, etc.  are available for your convenience to take with you wherever you go.

Q:  What if I bought a DVD and you have the same items online in BUGSY NATION.

A:  If you bought a DVD at the suggested retail price of $29.95 then eventually you’ll be sent instructions on how to get a free 7 day trial to a premier subsription Bugsy Nation.

If you bought any DVDs at “sale prices” or one of our auctions, you’ll have to join per BUGSY NATION regular pricing.