Umpiring Numbers in your State- Shortages, too many, etc.

[RWPatten]

What are the numbers like in your states for umpires- for school games like MS, JH, Freshmen, Sophomore, JV, Varsity?

In Oklahoma, we have a big shortage. The playoffs for the smallest schools start this week and the schools are having a hard time finding umpires.

This is my first full year and I have worked most everyday that it has not rained. I have called all levels, from MS through a Top ten Varsity matchup. There really have not been very many coach or fan issues, at least not as many as I expected. I have had a blast this 1st year. It has gotten a little bit easier and alot more fun as I have gone along.

I just wanted to see what it was like in other states.

[Tyennie]

Considering the fact that we don't even have high school baseball in wyoming, our umpire numbers are still low. There are a couple of us in my area (sw wyo) that are certified thru the BR organization. The other levels of baseball that we have here are LL and American Legion. There really is no certification process for AmLg in the state, at least none that the state legion folks have let me know about. The LL certification for the state is not recognized by any region or the national office. Since we don't have many "certified" umpires, we have very few who are willing to commit to the field, but plenty of parents who are willing to grouse about the umpires. I don't believe any one of us has been to a clinic or school. Being a school teacher it is difficult for me to get away. Carl Childress did come out several years ago (2000-01) and did a clinic for us. Usually I am the one asked to instruct the clinics at the different leagues requests. ty

[RWPatten]

I have heard about the no HS ball in some states. I can see why, with some of the weather in the more Northern states.

At the last meeting my umpire association had, we were told to try to find 2 people interested in umpiring and to bring them to our 1st meeting in january. We need umps pretty bad.

I got into umpiring full blast just now at age 29. I have enjoyed the heck out of it. After doing school ball this 1st year, little league is much easier. I wish I had gotten into umpiring when I graduated HS.

I think the best thing for a person new to umpiring to do is, get certified and find a partner to work MS or 9th grade or JV school ball games with. A mentor is a big help. THEN get into little league. I have found that the things I am expected to do in school ball games, to speed up the games and keep them moving, work very well in little league. I think it makes all of the umps look more professional.

I am bummed that school ball is over, but I will get as many little league and fall ball games as I wish.