Originally posted by Doug
I am a new poster to this forum, i am a cross over bb, vb, so novice. I am trying to learn the ropes for sb and bb. But, the first thing that I have to do is purchase equipment. What do i need, and where would be the best place to purchase this? thanks
First things first
IMO, you need to define your umpiring goals
Since you said "novice" and did not indicate whether you are umpiring kids who shave from kids that don't I will answer as follows:
If you are a "novice" umpire and if you umpire kids who do not shave, I would not go "crazy" and spend lots of money on equipment. As another poster suggested, you can by good used equipment from another official.
If you umpire kids who shave, you can still by used equipment but make certian you have enough protection for yourself.
You said SB, if it's slow pitch, all you need is a mask and you can use the one that you have when umpiring BB. If it's fast pitch, you can use your regular equipment for BB, so IMO you do not need separate equipment for SB other than the uniform that's required of a SB official.
New equipment can be expensive. I did not upgrade my equipment until I became HS certified and started getting paid for my services. It's much easier to purchase equipment when the funds do not come from the family budget.
All in all as I previosuly stated, start by determining your umpire goals and that will lead you to what type of equipment you need to purchase. Remember, in addition to equipment, you have shirts, pants, jacket (if you umpire in a cold weather state), socks, etc. In other words accessories that cost money as well.
Good Luck!
Pete Booth