How to Become a Youth Umpire

Umpires get close to the action.

If you're a softball or baseball fan who wants to get involved in your community, consider working as a youth umpire. You'll need evenings and weekends free to work the games. Before you head for the diamond, assess your temperament. If you can be calm under pressure, make decisions quickly and withstand any heckling from the crowd, you are a good candidate for umpiring.

Instructions

1. Stop by your local youth baseball or softball diamond on game night. Go before the game starts or after the game ends and ask the umpire what association he belongs to. Get the contact information for his association.

2. Contact the association. Ask how to become a member and how to get started on youth umpiring. Fill out a membership form and pay the fee. Plan to attend meetings to make umpire connections and expand your knowledge of baseball or softball rules.

3. Approach the youth baseball or softball programs or sports and recreation department for your community and ask about umpire job openings. Umpire opportunities may also be listed in your community newspaper, at your school board or through another community forum.

4. Begin umpire training with your local youth league. If the league has enough umpires for the current season, see if you can put yourself on a substitute umpire list and ask about deadlines for next season. In the meantime, keep attending officials association and umpire association meetings to expand your knowledge of the game.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with your Little League about equipment. Do you need to provide your own mask, rule book and chest protector?

• Youth umpire positions may be paid or unpaid.

References

• National Association of Sports Officials: How to Become an Official
• Little League: Volunteer Umpires