How to Umpire Softball
"You're out!" is synonymous with softball and baseball umpires. They observe the game to ensure rules are followed; and more importantly, umpires serve as judges to assess plays and determine any violations. The character of an umpire requires that he be unbiased but quickly make decisions. These quick decisions create a stressful work environment for umpires because of disagreements from audience members, players and coaches.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Umpire license and/or certificate
- Umpire protective gear
- Organization or school certification
Instructions
-
-
1
Learn the sport. To officiate any game, the individual must possess a firm understanding of softball or have played softball to gain knowledge of the game. Softball shares similar qualities to baseball but differs in subtle aspects.
-
2
Train for the physical demands. An umpire's physical demands depend on the level of competition, and higher levels of competition require more physical stamina from an umpire. The expected demands are running, standing and maintaining concentration for hours.
-
-
3
Register with the school district or organization in which you will umpire. Some schools and organizations require prospective umpires to register and pay for umpire certification. The process might require a registration with affiliates of a local, state or national umpire association. The certification and registration process differs from organization to organization and state to state.
-
4
Acquire umpire protective gear. This gear protects the head (required for home plate umpires only), shoulders and chest from physical harm. Remember, a softball can travel at high speeds, and the protective gear prevents any physical harm if the ball hits the umpire.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Talk to veteran umpires at local schools or organizations to familiarize yourself with the requirements and demands of umpiring softball.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit fast swing image by Stormy Ward from Fotolia.com
