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Step 1
Meet the minimum requirements for Major League Baseball umpire candidates: high school diploma or equivalent; 20/20 vision with or without correction; healthy body weight; good coordination and ability to react quickly; good communication skills.
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Step 2
Attend preliminary training (see Resources below.) Most of those who attend umpire school have never officiated a game prior to attending and must be taught "everything it takes to be an umpire." Students also learn the proper conduct on and off the field.
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Step 3
Get noticed by the instructors who are looking for specific characteristics that exceed the knowledge of the game. Some factors include a good voice, forceful calls, confidence and a keen sense of where to go when a ball is hit.
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Step 4
Exhibit superlative judgment off and on the field. Umpires are entrusted with the integrity of the game. Those who are recruited are individuals of the highest caliber.
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Step 5
Finish in the top of the five-week training course that starts in January. Student who finish in the upper portion of the class are invited to participate in an evaluation course. Generally, this is 15-16 percent of the class.
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Step 6
Accept an assignment in the lower leagues. During the evaluation course, candidates are recommended to the various league presidents for consideration. Umpires are evaluated at each step through the minor leagues (Class-A through AAA) and then decisions are made as to who advances to the majors.
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Step 7
Sit tight and "wait for the call." There is little turnover in the Major Leagues and few openings. Most umpires spend a total of six to eight years before there's a possibility of a chance at the majors.
Comments
manonthemoon said
on 5/17/2008 There's also a background check too. Good article otherwise.