How to Become a Baseball Umpire

The umpire in a baseball game may not be the most popular person since one side is always upset with his calls, but it is a needed position in the sport. This is true whether it's for a Major League game or the kids' Little League. However it's not as simple as putting on the gear and standing behind the plate.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Polished black shoes
• Black socks
• Color slacks and shirt your local association chooses
• Black belt
• Sized cap
• Pencil and indicator
• Protective cup (for men)
• Mask with throat protector
• Shin guards
• Chest protector that goes inside your shirt
• Plate brush
• Baseball bag
• Protective plate shoes

1. Join an officiating association. This is a group of umpires who get together to discuss rules, regulations, how to make calls and similar topics. This is the best place for new umpires to learn from the vets that have been doing the job for a long time.

2. Get into good physical shape. Remember as an umpire you will be standing a lot of the time, occasionally in high heat. This can take a toll on your body if you are not in adequate shape to handle the demands.

3. Go to the lectures and demonstrations hosted by the association. These are invaluable to learn how to do your job as a baseball umpire. Engage in the exercises the association offers to learn all you can to be an umpire.

4. Get the necessary equipment to become a baseball umpire: the clothes, protective gear and other equipment you will need during a game to show you are the umpire and do your job as the game progresses.

5. Register with your association. Depending upon which one you are a member of this can be local, state or national. There will probably be a fee, which will go toward more training and insurance for you.

6. Find a baseball game through your association to umpire after you have done all of your training.

Tips & Warnings

• Go to a game to ask an umpire which association they belong to. Then attend a meeting to ask any questions you have before joining yourself.
• Check with veteran umpires to see if they have equipment they no longer use that is still serviceable so you do not have to buy all of yours at once. This can help cut down on the cost to get started.
• You will probably be required to attend all meetings, especially when there are changes involved. There may also be additional tests you are required to take to remain an umpire.
• You will start out by umpiring youth leagues and work your way up. Each new level takes time and skill to attain. Major League baseball umpiring requires additional training not needed nor taught at lower levels.
• Game fees will vary depending on which even you are umpiring. Smaller games will pay smaller fees to you.

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