How to Be an Umpire
Becoming an umpire requires a passion and knowledge for the game that you wish to be involved in. Umpiring is considered an undesirable profession because of the extensive travel and the harsh criticisms. However, on the local level, umpiring is seen as a part-time way to stay involved with sport while making some extra money. While umpiring at the local level still involves criticism it is not as widely publicized and talked about as it is with professional umpires.
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Instructions
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Learn all the rules of the sport that you wish to umpire. Being a former player or a big fan of a sport does not mean you know all the rules. There are many rules regarding the restriction of equipment and dress code that you, as a fan or former player, may not be aware of. Purchase a rule book at a local sporting goods store and thoroughly go through it.
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Join the chapter of the umpiring association in your area. Each state will have an association that is limited to officials, and aspiring officials, of the sports that they govern. Joining this group is a good way to network and expand your knowledge base. Within each association there will be different chapters based on the region of the state that you are in. A local chapter will consist of umpires from your area who you will be umpiring with.
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Take the umpiring test for your state or local area so that you can receive your certification. receiving this certification is a must if you want to umpire games that the state body presides over. Examples would be high school baseball or softball games. When you become certified you have to pay your dues to the umpiring association that you have joined. Paying your dues to the association, along with your certification, will allow you to be assigned to umpire games.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not pay your dues until you have passed your certification test if at all possible.
If certified, you may first be assigned to umpire junior high games as opposed to high school games.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit fast swing image by Stormy Ward from Fotolia.com
