IHSA Test

[bob jenkins]

Originally posted by LDUB

Don't pay the $35. You will never do a HS game is you are playing.

I would suggest contacting your local LL/Pony/Babe Ruth league and telling them you wish to officiate some games this summer. Durring the summer, apply to the IHSA to work baseball next season. You do not want to wait to Feb. to apply.

Except that same / many local youth leagues pay more to an umpire who is "patched." And, since the process takes some time, he'll want to start now so he's ready when the youth leagues start and he's available (generally after the HS season).

I also think (but verify this with the IHSA), that you can start the process now, but have it not become effective until June, rather than having it become effective now and expiring in June. That might not matter much to the youth league -- some require you to be "patched" at the beginning of the season, but don't care if you don't renew it. You should check this with the Elmwood Park Park district (or whoever runs the local baseball program).