How to Become an Umpire

Being an umpire at any level of a sport is a demanding, challenging job that often puts the outcome of the game squarely in your hands. Whether it's Little League to the professionals, the integrity of the game restly soley on their shoulders. An umpire must posses passion for the sport, an innate understanding of the rules and technical aspects of the game.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Set umpiring career goals. Research the steps of each path to high school, collegiate and major league umpiring.

2. Assess personal skills that make a good umpire. Look for good communication skills, personal relationship skills and excellent conflict resolution skills. Develop quick decision making skills, which are essential.

3. Be prepared to devote vacations to attend camps and clinics to hone umpire skills. Consider the sacrifice of free time that may affect the family.

4. Evaluate the interest in becoming an umpire. Examine motivations: is it a love of the game, are kids involved in the sport or is there a desire to do a better job.

5. Understand that the umpire in any sport can be the object of angry fans. Be prepared to deal with unruly fans in a calm, professional manner befitting the profession.

6. Get the best training available. Contact the league that manages the early levels of the game. Attend classes, camps and special career development offerings. Make connections with other professionals.

7. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Abide the height-weight standards for umpires and be physically fit for the rigors of the game.

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