So You Want to Be an Umpire?

Well it all starts right here at the amateur level. Whether your goal is to do local youth recreation games, to be behind the plate for the College World Series, or to make it to the big leagues; amateur umpiring is a rewarding endeavor not to be taken lightly. Calling games is invigorating, your adrenaline gets pumping, you are a part of the game, you should be enjoying it as much the players and fans. Umpiring is intrinsically rewarding too, the vast majority of players, coaches, and fans appreciate you and the time and effort you put into making their game a rewarding experience. I'll probably be wearing the blue until the day I die.

The first question out of peoples mouths when I discuss umpiring is usually something to the effect of, 'Are you paid for that?' Despite the term amateur, we are paid; and it's a pretty nice side income. Amateur refers to the level of ball we are calling. But please don't expect to quit your day job. If you think you will umpire solely for the money, DON'T. Please go away leave our sport and get a part-time job at Wal-Mart. They hire anybody, the work is year round and they don't seem to care that their employees don't care about their jobs. Umpires need to care about the sport, the officials organization they represent, and their profession. To tell you the truth there is not really sustainable money in umpiring until you reach the majors. I know two Minor League guys who tell me that what I make for a high school game is not that much different from what they make in minor league ball, not to mention I have advantages they don't: I get to sleep in my own bed at night; spend time with my friends and family; also I am able to have a full time regular job to truly support myself. But to them it is worth it for the opportunity to pass through "Baseball's Narrowest Door."

One of the next things people want to know are cool stories about ejections. All umpires have them and some not only relish the opportunity to toss someone, but then love to boast about how tough and macho they are for doing it. In my opinion it takes a better umpire to keep that coach in the game. I always strive to keep everyone in the game and have found by calmly talking to them, controlling the situation, and saying the right things I can get that coach back in the dugout and keep things rolling smoothly. I can count on my fingers and toes how many people I have sent to the parking lot over the years, most of the time it is a player who has done something flagrant and I have no other option. I've also tossed a few assistant coaches, but that's relatively harmless. I have restricted head coaches to the bench, and that usually will either cure the situation or create a situation which forces me to send him packing. My point is the ejection is a powerful tool, but should be a tool of last resort.

Next you need to figure out if you are umpiring material. It's a tough job both mentally and physically. Mentally, you need to be a resolute decision maker. Game altering things happen in a blink of an eye and it's your call. You have to be thinking about the situation in the game anticipating what is about to happen, where you need to be on the field, and always know that even the most routine plays can blow up on you if you are not paying attention. The unexpected is bound to happen. Beyond that you need to be mentally tough, because you will get an earful from the coaches and fans, and they be saying personal things to you trying to get under your skin. I have seen a younger umpire nearly brought to tears after missing a call and hearing it from so many people, unfortunately he lost focus and couldn't recover during that game. I personally wore glasses nearly my entire life but after about three years of umpiring I switched to contacts so not to give people any more ammunition to use on me.

Physically, this job is demanding. You don't just stand behind the plate calling balls and strikes, you will need to get out there and hustle. It may not seem like a lot, but you will be calling 200 pitches a game. Each pitch you get into position, regardless if you use the box, the scissors or the GD stance that means lowering your level 200 times. No matter how good your posturing and mechanics are or how comfortable of shoes you have it will take its toll on you. Now multiply that by 2 or 3 plates you may get on a Saturday.

Baseball is played in the summer and it is sometimes difficult wearing the uniform and equipment in the regular summer heat. This past summer I took a week off of work to do a huge AAU tournament where the average temperature was over 100 degrees with 95% humidity. Working 3-4 of these games a day really takes a toll on you and you have to be ready for it.

There are significant cost factors which you need to consider. I mentioned the pay earlier, but before you hit the field for the first time you are going to shell out between $300-$500 to get your uniforms, equipment, insurance, fees, etc... You should recoup this investment rather quickly, but it can be quite shocking. Also, you should expect that every year you will spend a fair amount of money on new equipment either upgrading to better equipment or replacing worn items. The "cost" of your time commitment is also something not to be taken lightly. You will have not only the time for the games to consider, but many meetings, tests, and probably some voluntary events to participate in as well. Once you make the commitment you need to see it through, people are counting on you.

How do you become an umpire? Most areas will have one or more umpire associations. It is critically important to be involved with the right one. The better associations will offer free and comprehensive training, both on the field and in the classroom. The better associations will often times be the larger ones with the most contracts in the area. This website has a list of various associations. But it wouldn't hurt to go to a local game and talk to the umpires and find out about their association what leagues and levels they do, what their training is like, when they take in new umpires. I've never met an umpire who didn't like to talk about his work.

Being an amateur umpire is a rewarding activity that you can grow with, and can offer you long term enjoyment. If you believe you have what it takes, join in.