Softball

How to Become a Softball Umpire, Softball Official

Here's how to become a softball umpire or softball official: Find out about the local softball officials associations in your area. A aoftball officiating association is a group of umpires who meet periodically to discuss rules, mechanics and philosophy. They are a great way for new umpires to learn from veteran softball umpires.

Attend a softball game in your area and ask the umpires what association they belong to and whom to contact for information. The softball umpires association will be a valuable pool of resources for training, obtaining games and getting to know the officiating community.

Attend softball association meetings. At those meetings, some held before the season starts, you can ask questions about rules, mechanics and positioning. Those sessions will be a foundation to get you started properly as a softball umpire.

Physical Demands

Expect normal physical demands. As the players’ competitive levels increase, the physical demands will rise. You will be required to jog several times to properly position yourself. You will stand several hours on end, occasionally in high heat.

Training

Expect lectures, demonstration and exercises on the basic rules at local association meetings

Equipment

• Polished, black athletic shoes. Either turf shoe or flat-bottom.
• Black socks.
• Heather or navy slacks, depending upon area. Check with local association.
• Powder blue shirt. Some associations wear a red or navy golf shirt.
• Black leather belt.
• A fitted cap.
• Officiating tools: pencil, flipping coin, indicator and a ballbag.

If you umpire fast pitch you will need these items:

• A mask with a throat protector.
• An inside chest protector.
• A cup (for men).
• Shinguards.
• Protective plate shoes.

Estimated cost: $450. Sometimes, veteran umpires have "hand-me-downs" that help new umpires get started.

Registration and Fees

Talk with umpires at a game, contact the athletic department of a local high school or contact your local recreation department. They will be able to give you the name of the state governing body for high school athletics. You will be expected to complete a registration form for affiliation with a national, statewide or local association. Often there will be a fee that must be paid with this registration which goes toward additional officiating training and insurance. Often, with your state association fee, you will be provided rulebooks and other materials. The fees range from $10-$50.

Game Fees

Game fees vary widely based on the players' age group, competitive level and the state you umpire in. You can expect the range of $35 for youth games to $65 for competitive high school varsity games.

Help and Assistance

Ask a respected veteran umpire to be your mentor. That mentor will help answer your questions and provide crucial support. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about situations and rules. The more you talk about umpiring, the more you will learn about it.

Certification

Here’s the path for starting and continuing your umpiring career:

The Youth Level

Many umpires start at that level. Contact your local recreation department leaders. Your local association should also help you make contacts to get games.

Upgrading to High School

After working some games, you may feel you have the skills and confidence to work higher level competition. Contact your state association for registration information.

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) is the nation’s governing body for high school athletics. Contact the NFHS for rulebooks, rule changes and information on your state association.

NFHS
PO Box 690
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317-972-6900

In most cases, state associations can put you in contact with a local officials association. NASO has more than 4,000 local officials associations in our database. Local officials associations assign games, many times offer mentoring programs and assist in training. You may contact us for a local association near you.

High school athletic directors, association assigners and other umpires will help you get games. Attend local officiating camps and clinics. They are focused on helping umpires learn and improve.

Annual Recertification

The different organizations have different requirements but most require at least attendance at a meeting to go over any current rule changes. Additional requirements may be a written test with a minimum passing score, payment of fees for the upcoming season and association meeting attendance.

Still have questions? Contact us at HERE to receive additional information on becoming a sports official.