Start with JV
You should ask the local rep for training new umpires for all the info you may need to get started. He will gladly answer all your questions. Also meet the person who is responsible for assigning you games to work. Know his name and his phone number. After you go through training, he becomes your number one contact for the association.
I can only speak for a local association. They require you to attend monthly meetings and pay dues. Try not to extend the discussions so that the meetings will end on time. You work 3 scrimmages for free. Spread yourself around the first season with no more than 2-4 games per team, if possible. Don't hog the schedule and don't hog the same teams every single game.
You may be sent in your travel wagon to cover the road games for small high schools too. Once you move up the ladder, the games get closer to home and the quality of the teams improve. Depending on availability, you may be assigned more games than you may want per week. Don't get burned out.
You are to work 3 years of JV ball before you get a shot at varsity. In reality, if you know what your doing (played college ball or attend clinic on 2-man mechanics), someone will waive the 3 year JV requirement. Meet and greet the coaches and learn, but don't get personal. Remember, its a game and you are not the central character. Keep up with your equipment and leave everything but the experience on the field.
Buy an ice chest and pack it with non-alcoholic drinks for every game.
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