How to Become a Youth Baseball Umpire
Before going through the steps required to be a youth umpire, background is important. In youth sports leagues, the men and women officiating the games are an integral part of the experience. Participants may begin playing in youth baseball leagues as young as 6 or 7. By the middle school years (ages 11-14), umpires are in high demand. The common process is for leagues to hire high school kids (ages 14-18) to work the younger league's games. Umpires must be certified through a training regimen that includes clinics and a final test. Youth umpires are typically employed by the baseball league in the town where they work. Training and tests will vary from league to league, but the general steps for becoming a youth umpire are the same.
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Instructions
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Initiate correspondence with the league's director of umpires. Inform him you are interested in becoming an umpire in his league and would like to attend the necessary training sessions and clinics.
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Get a schedule of the time and locations of all the clinics and sessions you will need to attend.
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In preparation for the final exam, take notes in each clinic and training session.
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Make sure you know all the rules and regulations that your league follows. These rules might be different from other leagues and Major League Baseball.
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Pass the umpire certification test to become an official youth baseball umpire.
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Get your schedule and confirm the times and locations of each game you'll be working. Know how to get to each field.
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Pick up the equipment that will be provided to you by the league you are working for. Equipment usually includes a shirt, cap, pitch counter and mask.
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Tips & Warnings
Study hard for your certification test. People who fail might not get a second chance.
Gather as much information about the league as possible.
Get the phone numbers of your peers and your boss, in case a scheduling problem takes place.
Umpiring can be dangerous. It is possible to be hit with a bat, ball or other objects.
When behind home plate, wear your mask at all times, and keep a close eye on the field.
