Beyond The Rules

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Every week a new tip will be released.. The goal is to give every official a tip they can use on right away across all sports.Host Stephen Batista will be joined by other officials who will assist on explaining and offering expertise.This week Stephen and Curtis Dugar discuss what it means to "Tell the call to yourself"Access to all platforms:https://linktr.ee/beyondtherulesInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/btr.podcast/Stephen Batistahttps://www.instagram.com/rmg.referee/

On the latest BTR, host Stephen Batista chats it up with the Kelvin Flores and Melvin Martinez, current and former head coach at Grand Street Campus in the Brooklyn, New York. Kelvin with the help and guidance of his former coach and mentor Melvin, was able to capture the 2024 PSAL city championship. The two discuss the past, present and future of Grand Street BaseballAccess to all platforms:https://linktr.ee/beyondtherulesInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/btr.podcast/Stephen Batistahttps://www.instagram.com/rmg.referee/

On the latest BTR, host Stephen Batista chats it up with the head coach at Madison High School in the Brooklyn, New York. The two discuss the 2023-2024 wrestling season, and how Steven was able to coach a 2024 NYS state champion.Access to all platforms:https://linktr.ee/beyondtherulesInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/btr.podcast/Stephen Batistahttps://www.instagram.com/rmg.referee/

Access to all platforms:https://linktr.ee/beyondtherulesInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/btr.podcast/Stephen Batistahttps://www.instagram.com/rmg.referee/

On the latest BTR, host Stephen Batista chats it up with the multi sport head coach at Horace Mann High School in the Bronx, New York. The two discuss the 2023-2024 wrestling season, and how Gregg's been able to have a 30+ year coaching legacy at one of NYC's finest learning institutions.Access to all platforms:https://linktr.ee/beyondtherulesInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/btr.podcast/Stephen Batistahttps://www.instagram.com/rmg.referee/

On the latest BTR, host Stephen Batista chats it up with the head wrestling coach of Nanuet High School in Rockland County, New York.The two discuss the 2023-2024 season, and how Sean found himself as a wrestler and coach for Nanuet HS.Access to all platforms:https://linktr.ee/beyondtherulesInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/btr.podcast/Stephen Batistahttps://www.instagram.com/rmg.referee/

Access to all platforms:https://linktr.ee/beyondtherulesInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/btr.podcast/Stephen Batistahttps://www.instagram.com/rmg.referee/

On this episode, Stephen chats up John Cichon. John is the head wrestling coach of the Tottenville Pirates from Staten Island, NY.They discuss his 20+ year career in the sport and beyond.Access to all platforms:https://linktr.ee/beyondtherulesInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/btr.podcast/Stephen Batistahttps://www.instagram.com/rmg.referee/

On this episode, Stephen chats up David Bloom. David is the head wrestling coach of the Mott Haven Mavericks out of the Bronx, NY.They discuss his near 20+ year career in the sport and beyond.Access to all platforms:https://linktr.ee/beyondtherulesInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/btr.podcast/Stephen Batistahttps://www.instagram.com/rmg.referee/

On this episode of Talkin' Shop, Stephen and Carlos delve into wrestling.Wrestling is both Stephen and Carlos' sport they excelled in the most, and also the first sport they officiated.They discuss how each prepares for the upcoming season, while also bringing what they've learned from the previous baseball season to the table.Access to all platforms:https://linktr.ee/beyondtherulesInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/btr.podcast/Stephen Batistahttps://www.instagram.com/rmg.referee/

Curtis and Stephen are BACK!In this episode the two discuss fall baseball and how the games season can prove to be a pivotal time for growth.Taking all the things you've learned from the season and using the relaxed environment "fall ball" offers. From there the two discuss whats next for them personally, and share snippets of their ideas for their future and the future of umpiring in general.Access to all platforms:https://linktr.ee/beyondtherulesInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/btr.podcast/Stephen Batistahttps://www.instagram.com/rmg.referee/

On this episode, it’s all the things football. While not being a football referee himself, Stephen enlists the help of the “handsome Honduran” Carlos and Will Jeffries. Both of whom are high school and college level officials of the pigskin variety.Stephen does his best to serves as a vessel and parse the information between two highly acclaimed referees.Access to all platforms:https://linktr.ee/beyondtherulesInstagramhttps:/Instagram:www.instagram.com/btr.podcastStephen Batista:https://www.instagram.com/rmg.referee/

As the baseball season begins to wind down, players, coaches, parents and umpires all have a unique kind of fatigue. The linear connection we all share is the emotional invest we (should) all have. Everyone who invests passion, effort and time into sports will experience a return. Stephen and Carlos share stories within that vein. The vein that pumps the blood necessary to be good at something, Sports will always offer that. Hopefully this episode represents that...Access to all platforms:https://linktr.ee/beyondtherulesInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/btr.podcast/Stephen Batistahttps://www.instagram.com/rmg.referee/

With the Little League World Series currently ongoing, BTR host Stephen Batista made sure to chat it up with someone with first hand experience. That someone is none other than Rich Ranalli Sr.Stephen has been lucky to work along side Rich for over 10 years as the two are also wrestling officials in the same association. Just like Stephen, Rich also is an umpire and has seen it all, including working at the mecca of Little League in South Williamsport, PA.Last year Rich was privileged (deservedly so) to umpire in the Little League World Series. The two discuss his time spent there while going through the "Rich" history of his career as an official.Rich is a man who demands respect and expects the same from everyone else. Stephen has been fortunate to be under his learning tree and is a better official for it,Access to all platforms:https://linktr.ee/beyondtherulesInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/btr.podcast/Stephen Batistahttps://www.instagram.com/rmg.referee/

Well this is like when worlds collide!!!On this very special episode of the podcast, Stephen chats it up with both Curtis AND Carlos. The three have a great time talking over their varsity and college seasons.Each have their own tales to tell as umpires on the grind. From the ups and downs, the life of an official always lends itself to a vocation built on competency but forged in brotherhood.Access to all platforms:https://linktr.ee/beyondtherulesInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/btr.podcast/Stephen Batistahttps://www.instagram.com/rmg.referee/

What else can be said about Tottenville athletics. A school on Staten Island that has created and harnessed a culture of success, forged in a sea of championship teams and clubs across all sports with an allure the big bad wolf would admire,So how does head baseball manager Michael Grippo fit into all of this? As a student athlete himself at Tottenville, he had to understand right away what it takes and means to be a "Pirate", Michael would take these values into a steady and successful playing career which set up his future off the field and into the managerial role.Eventually landing at Tottenville, now as a coach, Michael reached the pinnacle this year by beating Giorgio Luperon at Yankee Stadium to capture the 2023 "AAA" PSAL baseball championship.Experienced first hand by host Stephen, who had the amazing honor of being the umpire at first base, Coach Grippo explains in a wonderfully succinct manner what it takes to keep the legacy alive and all the pressure that comes with it.Access to all platforms:https://linktr.ee/beyondtherulesInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/btr.podcast/Stephen Batistahttps://www.instagram.com/rmg.referee/Tottenville HS:https://instagram.com/tottenvillehsfamily/https://instagram.com/tvillepirates/PSAL:https://instagram.com/nycpsal/

Start spreading the news….!On this episode, Stephen chats it up with Tom Harper and Marièl Checo. Together they are the coaches of the 2023 “AA” PSAL baseball championship team Hunter College HS.Both coaches retell their amazing journeys. Head coach Tom Harper talks about his amateur career that led him to his position at Hunter. Combined with assistant coach Marièl Harper’s amazing story, from playing and winning at Yankee Stadium, getting drafted by the Yankees, the winning formula was set for his return as a coach to where the glory all started.Down 1-0 with 2 outs and 2 strikes in the bottom of the 7th, the game was never over. Poise, heart and most of all amazing coaching led Hunter to an epic extra inning comeback and championship win to cap of an unforgettable season.Access to all platforms:https://linktr.ee/beyondtherulesInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/btr.podcast/Stephen Batistahttps://www.instagram.com/rmg.referee/Hunter College HShttps://instagram.com/huntervarsitybaseball/Tom Harperhttps://instagram.com/tharps14/Marièl Checohttps://instagram.com/mariel_checo/Checo Baseball Powerhttps://instagram.com/checobaseballpower/PSALhttps://psal.orghttps://instagram.com/nycpsal/

Reunited and it feels so good!On this episode Stephen and Curtis are back in the saddle! And this we brought with our fellow brother in "blue", Gary Peckman.Stephen and Curtis have known Gary for over 5 years each. Working every weekend together at Diamond Nation.The three discuss their 2023 spring seasons as they come to a conclusion, and the preparation for the dog days of summer travel ball.Before all that, Gary shares his story on how he fell in love with being an adjudicator of the sport of baseball.From his first time meeting Marty Clark, to the quick rise that’s gain him the respect from his peers and all things in between.Access to all platforms:https://linktr.ee/beyondtherulesInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/btr.podcast/Stephen Batistahttps://www.instagram.com/rmg.referee/

Its the season for the postseason, With that comes a change of mindset. Staying sharp is no longer an expectation, its a demand. Two man goes to three man. Three man goes to four.Stephen and Carlos talk shop about staying ready so you don't have to get ready. Getting post season assignments is something every (good) umpire should strive for. Be it on the college or varsity level, the stakes are the same for everyone,So throughout the laughs, to which there are many, hopefully this episode of "Talkin' Shop" informs as well.Access to all platforms:https://linktr.ee/beyondtherulesInstagramhttps:/Instagram:www.instagram.com/btr.podcastStephen Batista:https://www.instagram.com/rmg.referee/

On this episode of BTR, Stephen chats it up with the inimitably named Sócrates Peralta. Sócrates is the newly minted head coach of Morris Educational Campus.Sócrates takes over for Richard Corbo, who held the post for nearly 20 years, with a championship in 2008.The two discuss overcoming replacing such a legendary coach, but also the pressures of replacing his former coach as well. With Corbal’s blessing, Sócrates aims to apply his own “philosophy” and how to keep the legacy intact.Access to all platforms:https://linktr.ee/beyondtherulesInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/btr.podcast/Stephen Batistahttps://www.instagram.com/rmg.referee/Morris Educational Campushttps://instagram.com/morrisbulldogsbaseball?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Sócrates Peraltahttps://instagram.com/socperalta?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/0HssfQ9obq2jH0sJRthEnO?si=9RnHUh6eRmq42h0-QmiLkA

Curtis and Stephen are back together! The two have so much to catch up after a month between their last episode. In the middle of their respective seasons, both umpires discuss the grind plus how to prepare for the post season.Curtis shares his experiences as a NCAA umpire. With great expertise and dedication to the craft, Curtis talks what it takes to become a better umpire and keeping your mechanics sharp throughout.Conversely, Stephen opens up and gets real with his frustrations about feeling stagnate within the Varsity level. There's a sense a ceiling has been hit with a longing for a bigger challenge, and Stephen discusses what his next goals are and what it takes to achieve them.Access to all platforms:https://linktr.ee/beyondtherulesInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/btr.podcast/Stephen Batistahttps://www.instagram.com/rmg.referee/

This time around on "Talkin' Shop", Stephen and Carlos delve into an essential component to being good at anything in life, let alone being a good official; mentors. From baseball to wrestling, the two discuss how good leadership has been a big key to their success and pay tribute to those who've taken the time to in ensuring so.Conversely, Stephen and Carlos get into the other end of the spectrum discussing certain times they had bad partners. Navigating such waters can drown other officials, but the two hope to share insight on staying afloat in such situations.One of main long term goals of "Beyond The Rules" as a brand is to eventually train and build umpires at a grassroots and community level. At the conclusion of this episode, hear the passion from creator Stephen as he express the need for overhaul in the CULTURE of officiating and how he plans on changing it.Access to all platforms:https://linktr.ee/beyondtherulesInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/btr.podcast/Stephen Batistahttps://www.instagram.com/rmg.referee/

On this edition of BTR, Stephen chats it up with Bathgate coach and athletic director Steven Lomuscio. Since 2009 he’s seen it all as a multiple sport coach, and especially baseball. In 2018 he led the Bulldogs to an undefeated season which culminated in the schools first PSAL AA championship. From there the two discuss navigating Covid, and trying to repeat his previous success.Access to all platforms:https://linktr.ee/beyondtherulesInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/btr.podcast/Stephen Batistahttps://www.instagram.com/rmg.referee/Bathgate Bulldogshttps://instagram.com/bathgate.baseball?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

On the first episode of a new "BTR" series, "Talkin' Shop", Stephen Batista and Carlos Dolmo let it all out. "Talkin' Shop" aims to provide a cathartic space for officials to converse situations that provided stiff learning experiences. Whether it be trial by fire, dealing with coaches or even partners who are forcing you to go beyond the rules, this series will cover it all and with candid honesty not usually told in public spaces. So enjoy the curtain being pulled back, hear about ejections and rejections and all things "Talkin' Shop”Access to all platforms:https://linktr.ee/beyondtherulesInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/btr.podcast/Stephen Batistahttps://www.instagram.com/rmg.referee/

On this episode, Stephen chats it up with Leon Kruset. An accomplished college level umpire, Leon talks out his path from athlete to officiating. Stephen also examines the guts it takes to become a wrestling official with no prior experience participating in the sport, which Leon has done to immediate success. Both of them laude over the gentle art that is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and how its training was paramount to each's growth as an official and also how it applied to their overall maturity in life. Leon's candid in his failures, but poignant in knowing what it takes to learn from them. This is a story of confidence, stoicism, and ultimately the blueprint needed to be the official everyone should strive to become.Access to all platforms:https://linktr.ee/beyondtherulesInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/btr.podcast/Stephen Batista:https://www.instagram.com/rmg.referee/

BTR host Stephen, chats it up with the baseball manager of Inwood Campus, Anderson Almonte. From relative obscurity with an independent team one year, to making the AA PSAL championship game two years after, Anderson talks about the fast rising successes unseen by most new coaches, to dealing with the hardship of failure. As a coach and athletic director, Anderson allows insight of what it takes to build a team, build relationships and build young adults into leaders. Being the first coach on the podcast, Stephen and Anderson pull the curtain back on aspects of the relationships coaches and officials share that is otherwise untold.Access to all platforms:https://linktr.ee/beyondtherulesInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/btr.podcast/Stephen Batistahttps://www.instagram.com/rmg.referee/Inwood Campus:https://www.instagram.com/nycgators/PSAL:https://www.psal.org

This week on BTR, Stephen and Curtis do their best to explain Major League Baseball's three major rule changes:1) Larger Bases2) Pitch Clock3) Banning of the (over)shiftThe hosts go over in detail the "whys" and the "hows" of each rule, while also sharing their opinions on them.Click link below to read the new rules for yourself:https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/35631564/2023-mlb-rule-changes-pitch-clock-end-shift-bigger-basesAccess to all platforms:https://linktr.ee/beyondtherulesInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/btr.podcast/Stephen Batistahttps://www.instagram.com/rmg.referee/

BTR host Stephen Batista is privileged to have on Carlos Dolmo this week. Besides being a decorated official in a multitude of sports ranging from baseball, wrestling, football and even lacrosse, Carlos is one of Stephen's biggest mentors. Together the two chat it up about where Carlos started his 30+ year journey as an official, to helping Stephen jump his start his career as one. Between the obvious friendship and respect, Stephen asks pivotal questions so Carlos can explain how going "Beyond The Rules" has not only made him the great official he is, but also the inspiring leader he is for so many.Access to all platforms:https://linktr.ee/beyondtherulesInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/btr.podcast/Stephen Batistahttps://www.instagram.com/rmg.referee/

BTR host Stephen Batista "shoots" right into the conversation with his guest this week, Emerson Miranda. Emerson embodies the "started from the bottom" story. Emerson is a graduate from Lehman High School during the years the wrestling program experienced its heyday. The plucky kid from Parkchester found his way to coaching a budding wrestling program at the highly prestigious Collegiate School. From there the Bronx native has made it to States with athletes under his tutelage all six years of his tenure. Together, Stephen and Emerson talk through their experiences healing through sports mentorship with their own kids' journeys and beyond.Access to all platforms:https://linktr.ee/beyondtherulesInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/btr.podcast/Stephen Batistahttps://www.instagram.com/rmg.referee/Emerson Miranda:https://instagram.com/emerson111011https://instagram.com/collegiatevarsitywrestling

On the latest installment of BTR, Stephen and Curtis talk all things "Partnership". Stepping onto the field, court or any environment in which you have to work in accord with someone presents a multitude of challenges. Most situations only come up in action which leave little time for harmony. How does an official/umpire be a better partner? How does an official/umpire compensate for their partners shortcomings? Hopefully, this episode answers some of those questions.Access to all platforms:https://linktr.ee/beyondtherulesInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/btr.podcast/Stephen Batistahttps://www.instagram.com/rmg.referee/

BTR host Stephen Batista continues his interview series, this time sitting down with NYC wrestling official Anthony Mirra. Anthony, at 32 years old, became the youngest ever city referee to officiate at the NY State tournament. The two discuss Anthony's humble beginnings as a wrestler in Tottenville High School on Staten Island where he went on to win the NY City tournament in 2008. Anthony opens up to describe the feeling of having been a competitor at States and coming full circle more than 10 years later to actually working it as an official.

On the second episode of "Beyond The Rules", host Stephen and Curtis explore the main crux of the philosophy in which "beyond the rules" is founded upon: Preventative Officiating. The concept of "Preventative Officiating" is vast. Stephen and Curtis aim to create a conversation that defines what it is an official can do to make coaches and players aware of in game situations that can minimize penalties or infractions. Hopes to transfer the skills of "preventative officiating" into everyday life such as being married and having kids are also discussed.Access to all platforms:https://linktr.ee/beyondtherulesInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/btr.podcast/Stephen Batistahttps://www.instagram.com/rmg.referee/

BTR host Stephen Batista's interview series "Behind The Rules" delves deeper into the thinking about sports officiating and shares anecdotes and ideas directly from the minds of fellow officials.In the first interview, Stephen chats with Diamond Nation Tournament Director and Umpire-in-Chief Marty Clark, a seasoned pro who shares stories from his 40 years' experience building a top-notch umpire staff that reflects the prestigious organization. Join the guys "behind the chest protector" for a deeper perspective on what it means to ensure the integrity of tournaments for scouting-level playing and officiating, and how to think sequentially to get the rules correct.Access to all platforms:https://linktr.ee/beyondtherulesInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/btr.podcast/Stephen Batistahttps://www.instagram.com/rmg.referee/Diamond Nationhttps://www.instagram.com/diamondnationnj/Marty [email protected]

In the inaugural episode of ‘Beyond the Rules’ creator and host Stephen Batista, a decade-long wrestling and baseball official, digs deeper into the methods that make for great calls. Over the last two years, Stephen has documented situations and circumstances that have evolved his mindset to help him officiate more comprehensively and successfully – Beyond the Rules. With frequent guest Curtis Dugar, the two savvy thinkers provide a resource for sports officials, those aspiring, and anyone interested in sports from the lens of those who call the games. In this first episode Stephen and Curtis delve into stories from their humble beginnings as budding officials, and play out a new way of thinking to advance relationships and value in the sports community. “To become a good sports official, one must know the rules, but to become a great official, one must know the game”.Access to all platforms:https://linktr.ee/beyondtherulesInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/btr.podcast/Stephen Batistahttps://www.instagram.com/rmg.referee/