Where to Start?

[mholcombe]

Hey guys, new to the site here. Ive really enjoyed what Ive seen so far. Im interested in becoming an umpire and umpiring at the youth level, yet I really dont know where to start. Im 21 years old and finishing up school, and I could use the money (regardless of what it is). Ive played baseball since I was four and just recently got away from it, so Im really starting to miss it. I pitched at the University of Montevallo in Alabama for two years, so Im very knowledgable about the game, I just dont know where to start or who to talk to. There are several youth leagues in the area, and Im sure they'll be starting up soon. What am I missing? Any help would be great.

[mturman]

Hey guys, new to the site here. Ive really enjoyed what Ive seen so far. Im interested in becoming an umpire and umpiring at the youth level, yet I really dont know where to start. Im 21 years old and finishing up school, and I could use the money (regardless of what it is). Ive played baseball since I was four and just recently got away from it, so Im really starting to miss it. I pitched at the University of Montevallo in Alabama for two years, so Im very knowledgable about the game, I just dont know where to start or who to talk to. There are several youth leagues in the area, and Im sure they'll be starting up soon. What am I missing? Any help would be great.

Best wishes on the new venture...First, get in touch with one of the local umpire groups and express your interest. Chances are they are always seeking new members. Start pricing your uniform...Likely start on the bases until you feel comfortable and then graduate to the plate. Don't hedge on equipment or uniform costs as the quality stuff does cost more.

One word of caution...You mention that you can use the money...Don't let that be your primary motivation for doing this. It will become a job for you and you will have more bad days on the field as a result. You really have to have a passion for the game and you will develop a passion for officiating. Without that, it's a job...You don't want to have a bad day on the job when kids, coaches and family members are 1- Counting on you to be as good as you can be (and being paid for it most likely) and 2 - Your partners need to have confidence in your abilities, integrity and judgement as well.

I am sure others will come along...Keep us posted on your progress as you move ahead...It's a great thing to be a baseball umpire...

Aloha,
Mike

[richvee]

I'm sure others might be able to give you some contact info in your area, but I will tell you how I started. I looked for youth leagues in the area on line. Most of the leagues have their own websites and you can find them easy enough with a few google searches. Those sites either had a link for people interested in umpiring, or I'd call or e-mail the head of the league and ask about umpiring. I also showed up at a few little league registrations and inquired there. Although more and more live registrations are becoming a thing of the past as more and more is on line.

Welcome to the site and good luck getting started. You will also want to look for umpire associations in you area.

[Matt13]

Forget everything you know. It's entirely different on the other side.

When you find where you'll be umpiring, get the appropriate rule book, and make multiple copies of it. Put one on the toilet, one on your nightstand, one in your car, and one wherever you spend any amount of time. Read it over and over and over again.

If you are doing this because you could use the money, that needs to change. You won't make much (if anything) initially, and if you do it just for the money, then you will not be good at it. It's fine to make a few bucks doing something enjoyable, but if you don't enjoy it, you won't put forth the effort to succeed.

[johnnyg08]

I pitched at the University of Montevallo in Alabama for two years, so Im very knowledgable about the game

That might be from a player standpoint...but not from an umpire standpoint.

If your local groups are any good...that comment will mean nothing to them and might even annoy them.

Get some training, learn the game as an umpire. Take some practice tests, get some gear. Start looking on here for top-of-the-line used gear many of us on here have more gear than we'll ever need or use. If you want new gear, buy the best gear on the market, you will never regret it.

[heyblue26]

mholcombe: First of all weclome to the site and you can learn a lot right here many have provided you with very good advice and are telling you the things that they mention because we all started out just like yourself. As it has been mentioned check out your local leagues and contact them also find out when they are having a meeting and attend and let it be known that you want to umpire.

Remember its not about the money but for the love of the game and being a good umpire meaning that you have to study and read over and over so that you have a very good understanding and how the rules are applied for the level of ball that you are calling.

As it has been said put copies of the rule book in many different place so that you can study and read anytime. As mturman has mentioned and cautioned you about the money don't let that be your motivation for wanting to do it because it will end your desire very quickly to become good and knowledgable umpire.

I wish you well and study hard also its has been mentioned its a great feeling to know that you are a good and knowledgeable umpire.

[yawetag]

Those sites either had a link for people interested in umpiring, or I'd call or e-mail the head of the league and ask about umpiring.

Definitely this. Either they have in-house umpires or they can give you the information on the association they use.

Forget everything you know. It's entirely different on the other side.

Don't forget it all. However, start reading the rules as someone who understands the basics of the game (ball, strike, out, run, inning, game), not as a person that played the game for 15 years.

When you've learned the rules, use what you learned in your 15 years to help you anticipate what's going to happen. DON'T over-anticipate, though, but know that your experience, especially as a pitcher, will help in knowing the nuances of the game -- just not necessarily the rules.

I guarantee if we gave you a 50-question test on just the rules (not crazy situations), you'd probably get at least 10 of them wrong. It's not your fault -- it's simply how the game is perceived by the participants who are playing (or coaching) the game.

[mtlion55]

Definately read the rulebook, when I started umpiring I was amazed at all of the rules and nuances that I did not know about. If you want to see where you stack up now this web site has a little interactive quiz you can take. Guys I work with bust me all the time about how "it's just baseball" and I set this test up for them to take and they all bomb it :). Keep studying the rules and try to get to some clinics.
http://www.thetasoft.com/quiz/quiz.aspx

[heyblue26]

interactive quiz you can take. Guys I work with bust me all the time about how "it's just baseball" and I set this test up for them to take and they all bomb it :). Keep studying the rules and try to get to some clinics.
http://www.thetasoft.com/quiz/quiz.aspx

That is a really good site and very good tests. I tried one quiz with 5 questions and got 3 out of 2 correct. Yes study thanks

[KenGibes]

I tried one quiz with 5 questions and got 3 out of 2 correct.

Wow! That 150% right!

[yawetag]

That is a really good site and very good tests. I tried one quiz with 5 questions and got 3 out of 2 correct. Yes study thanks

That's a full count. Answer one more question!

[heyblue26]

Wow! That 150% right!

Now thats messed up on my part thats for sure. I meant to say out of the 5 questions that I answered I got 3 correct. Still a 3-2 count you guys are great I must of been typing faster than I was thinking. Its been a long day the cold must of gotten to my brain.

[heyblue26]

Wow! That 150% right!

Thanks Ken!!! You been to any spring training games and watch some of the Korea teams play? Hanawaha Eagles are in Arizona with Chan Ho Park.

[Pete_Booth]

[QUOTE=mholcombe;132690]Hey guys, new to the site here. Ive really enjoyed what Ive seen so far. Im interested in becoming an umpire and umpiring at the youth level, yet I really dont know where to start.

Define what you mean by youth level

Example:

Do you mean "rug-rats" the 9-11 yr. old division
12-13 yr. olds
etc.

IMO, you will get a more accurate answer once we know what you mean by youth level.

In any event Here goes:

1. If you are going to umpire predominately small diamond (60 ft.) baseball, find out if there is a local LL organization around etc. that has training because 60ft and 90 ft mechanics are vastly different.

2. If you are going to umpire predominately on a 90ft. diamond you can contact a lcoal HS umpire association and inquire about training. In addition it wouldn't hurt to get HS certified although at this point in time the HS test for this season has already been given but you can take it next year.

3. Ask around and find out who assigns youth type ball and then call the assignor and tell him/her you are interested.

4. Equipment - This will depend upon your budget and type of ball you call. Normally at the youth level you do not need the "best of the best" BUT no matter what type of ball you call you need to dress properly. You can ask around and find out if someone has decent used equipment. Sometimes on this site some have equipment to offer. Also, many of the Umpire equipment sites have starter packages that you can get that will not "bury your checkbook".

5. Make certain you have the proper rule-books and no matter what type of ball you call I strongly recommend you purchase Carl Childress's BRD (Baseball Rule differences) Carl posted it on this site.

Finally when you umpire you are an umpire. You are not playing the game anymore.

1. Coaches Coach
2. Players Play
3. Umpires officiate

It's important to keep that in mind. Coaches do not want us coaching their players and on the same token we do not want coaches / players telling us how to officiate.

If you are going to take umpiring seriously then attend a clinic. You can search this site to find out when and where the clinics are.

Good Luck

Pete Booth

[sdix00]

If you want to be a great umpire, you will not make much, if any money your first two years. You need to invest and incredible amount of time studying so you can understand what your responsibilities are and how to apply the rules, written and unwritten, properly. You must LOVE umpiring in order to be great at it. If you invest in yourself, the money will come. Later.

Get:
1. A mechanics book appropriate for your level. LL sells theirs for $5. The CCA Manual ($20) will give you 95% of all the other stuff. Optionally, "Maximizing" ($70) from the store on this site will give you tons of execution instruction that is otherwise hard to find.
2. The rule book is an excruciatingly painful way to learn the rules. Get the J/R manual ($40). No other publication will make a bigger difference in how you understand the rules of the game. It is organized by concept. So rather than hunt down 7 references to R/BR interference, JR gives it all to you in one silver platter. This title won't help as much when referencing Authoritative Opinion, but it will absolutely help you learn the rules.
3. Jim Evans Professional Rules Index ($10) - It is a reverse-engineered rules listing, much like the J/R, but it makes referring to the actual rule book a snap.
4. BRD. Even though you may not call multiple rule books, the BRD will help you understand why coaches in your LL game want a balk when F1 legally picks off from the windup.

Also, check out the new Baseball Umpires Encyclopedia (BUE). At $13 I wish I had this thing two years ago when I started out.

These titles will get you hooked. And if you get hooked like I did, you will spend $200-400 more on training titles after that. But you have already made one of the best moves by joining this site and participating in discussions with the smartest guys in the world. ($0)


__
If you want to be average, then you can make money now. Sucks, but true.

[justus]

[QUOTE]

2. If you are going to umpire predominately on a 90ft. diamond you can contact a lcoal HS umpire association and inquire about training. In addition it wouldn't hurt to get HS certified although at this point in time the HS test for this season has already been given but you can take it next year.


Sounds like the OP is in Alabama, so that is probably accurate. However, for anyone who may be in Iowa, registration for High School doesn't even start until March 1, so there is plenty of time before FED testing starts here.

[roymon]

I called Park and Rec.

[Pete_Booth]

[QUOTE=justus;132780][QUOTE=Pete_Booth;132751]

Sounds like the OP is in Alabama, so that is probably accurate.

Not Alabama the BIG Apple. The HS test for this season has already been given and I already have my assignments for this coming season.

I realize this might vary from state to state but here in NY as mentioned the test has been given and assignments already out.

Pete Booth

[Ironhead17]

Call your local High School and ask the Athletic Sec. for the contact of the guy who schedules the umpires. He will likely help you get in touch w/ the assigners for the local leagues and if you're lucky, like I was, offer you some second hand equipment to get started.
Here's a list of what you will need - the basics for rec. ball.
1) Navy blue shirt - the default color of choice. Powder blue 2nd option.
2) Heather grey or charcoal Combo pants. 2 pairs or each would be ideal.
3) Black turf shoes - JCP has a $40 pair that will do very well. See link in forum on this board.
4) Navy combo hat.
5) Shin guards, face mask, chest protector - your budget will dictate. Read reviews here for further advice. Hard shell chest pro not absolutely required.
6) Ball bags - two.
7) Indicator
8) Bag to store it all.
9) Clothing bar to keep clothes in place in your car or truck.
10) Plate brush
11) Mentor - someone who you can learn from and vent to.

Good luck. Don't coach and leave the discipline to the coaches.

WP

[yawetag]

5) Shin guards, face mask, chest protector - your budget will dictate. Read reviews here for further advice. Hard shell chest pro not absolutely required.


Buy the best your budget will get. Even if you're not doing higher levels of baseball now, you may in the future. In addition, the higher-priced gear will net you better return if you decide to sell it.

For example, you buy a $40 chest protector today, instead of opting for the $150 one. In five years, you decide to move up and want the $150 one (assuming it still sells for $150 in five years). You try to sell the $40 one and only get $10. You've now spent $180 for the chest protector you need ($40 - $10 + $150). If you had bought the $150 one to start, you'd have only spent $150.

Another example: You buy the $150 this year and decide in three years you're done umpiring. You put it on e-bay and sell it for $130. You only spent $20 for a chest protector that kept you well protected. With the cheaper one, you spent $30 and didn't have the best protection.

I understand budgets are tight for most umpires, and buying the equipment is tough. However, looking at it economically, it's sometimes better to buy better.

[cajunyankee]

Call your local High School and ask the Athletic Sec. for the contact of the guy who schedules the umpires. He will likely help you get in touch w/ the assigners for the local leagues and if you're lucky, like I was, offer you some second hand equipment to get started.
Here's a list of what you will need - the basics for rec. ball.
1) Navy blue shirt - the default color of choice. Powder blue 2nd option.
2) Heather grey or charcoal Combo pants. 2 pairs or each would be ideal.
3) Black turf shoes - JCP has a $40 pair that will do very well. See link in forum on this board.
4) Navy combo hat.
5) Shin guards, face mask, chest protector - your budget will dictate. Read reviews here for further advice. Hard shell chest pro not absolutely required.
6) Ball bags - two.
7) Indicator
8) Bag to store it all.
9) Clothing bar to keep clothes in place in your car or truck.
10) Plate brush
11) Mentor - someone who you can learn from and vent to.

Good luck. Don't coach and leave the discipline to the coaches.

WP

CUP Dude! CUP!

[heyblue26]

CUP Dude! CUP!

Yep and make sure its a nutty buddy (Cup)

[jaxrolo]

Yep and make sure its a nutty buddy (Cup)

+1 I agree 100% I will never wear anything but a Nutty Buddy!

[wayne37]

Hey guys, new to the site here. Ive really enjoyed what Ive seen so far. Im interested in becoming an umpire and umpiring at the youth level, yet I really dint know where to start. I'm 21 years old and finishing up school, and I could use the money (regardless of what it is). Ive played baseball since I was four and just recently got away from it, so I'm really starting to miss it. I pitched at the University of Montevallo in Alabama for two years, so I'm very knowledgeable about the game, I just dint know where to start or who to talk to. There are several youth leagues in the area, and I'm sure they'll be starting up soon. What am I missing? Any help would be great.

Forget most of what you're read here. Get some info from your local leagues, and go from there. Baseball knowledge will help you, no matter what some naysayers profess. Watch, learn. listen, ask questions. Do the best you can. If you decide you like it, stay with it if you have a regular schedule you can work around.

Just go into it with an open mind.

Oh, with the rising cost of food and gas, the extra money will come in handy.