Methods for Recruiting New Umpires?

[cuban]

I was wondering how different high school groups recruit new members?

[JaxRolo]

Word of Mouth, Website.

I know one Association uses Craigslist and a local sports radio station.

One association somehow got a few minutes on a local TV news segment.

[Umpire in Chief]

Referrals from your current umpires. But give them some incentive too like X% off their dues for every person they get.

Another thing is a equipment loan program. The association could front them a certain amount to get their equipment and then deduct it from future game fees. The costs to get started drive some potentially good guys away, and younger guys don't have that type of money and their parents may not be able to help in this rough economy. Just get a promissory note and enforce it should they not work enough games.

[MidAmUmp]

We post a job on Craigslist, posters, brochures, local sports radio and speak to area college officiating classes. This year we had 42 sign up, 25 so far have stuck with it.

We also round up used uniforms and equipment from members and hold a "flea market". We try to get them started as affordably as possible. Over the last 3 years with training we've added a pretty good group of new umpires.

[mstaylor]

We get them mostly from three sources, member referral, observation at youth games and transfers from other areas. A fourth source is players or managers deciding to change sides.

[yawetag]

In addition to word-of-mouth and Internet searching, Missouri sends out a list of organizations when you register as an official. I used this list to find the ones in the area, then called them to find the best.

I've heard of others calling the high school's AD and asking how to umpire their games. They'll give the name of the organization they use.