I was wondering where I could get information on becoming a patched umpire. I'm 18 and looking to be patched. Any websites out there to get information?

Thanks,

Ted

PS In Illinois

Yes I'm looking to get patched.

Thanks,

Ted

Go to http://www.ihsa.org

Look in the "Officials Department", (not "Officials Center") for "How to become a LIcensed Official".

Also, look at the list of associations and contact one (or more) near you.

Have you considered glue?

Seriously, what the hell is patched?

It means when you get certifited, you are given a patch to wear on your shirt, hence the term "patched".

No, but thanks for playing...

LOL--

In Illinois after you complete the test and it is graded and you do better than 80 or 85% can't remember which it is
You get a "patch" from the state that has IHSA(Illinois High School Assocation) that they require you to put on your shirt when you do games.And FYI when you go to their home page on the right side about 3/4 ways down there is a link on "becoming A licensed official"

[Edited by Gmoore on Feb 17th, 2005 at 04:30 PM]

I will just say this. Many leagues have a requirement that their umpires become licensed. Part of that reason is that there is a higher level of accountability in our state with everyone involved. You have to go through a series of things to work HS ball here. Anyone can work the little leagues or many summer ball and not have any training or real expectations.

Peace

I don't believe many states still do this, Mr. Umpire. Mine doesn't. And despite your comment on liability probably being a joke, it may not be far from a true concern and why states have quit "patching" their umpires.

<i>(Patches? We don't got to show you no stinkin' patches!)</i>

Thank goodness that the state I live in FORBIDS the wearing of patches. Clean shirt policy -- only exception is a flag patch on the left sleeve, that is optional.

Garth,

No one from the IHSA office states that their umpires/officials are more competent. That is the culture of the sporting world in this state.

I was doing an AAU basketball game and I was wearing one of my shirts that did not have any IHSA patches on them. One of the coaches seriously thought I was not an IHSA licensed official. I work college ball and other summer games that do not require a shirt with patches.

All the patches means is that you are license thru the IHSA. It means nothing else. All officials during all HS games have wear patches or get be subject to getting written up (which can lead to probation and suspension.

Peace

In ORYGONE . . .
 

Most local associations do not wear the state patch.

HOWEVER, to work a game in the state championship Triple Header you are not allowed to enter the playing field without the patch properly worn on your umpire shirt, plate coat or windbreaker.

What part of Illinois are you from?

Ted,
First of all, I'll apologize for all the guys who didn't welcome you to group. I'll also apologize for the smart alecs who didn't repsect your legitimate question. I'll also apologize for the wise guys who don't remember what it was like starting out and searching for anyone who would help you along the path to becoming a better official.
Now, here in Ohio, we too have to be " patched " for High School games. It is required by OHSAA to be certified by the State of Ohio and that we wear the OHSAA insignia on our uniforms - shirt, pullover, and jacket - when officiating any high school contest. It does not imply that we are competent officials but it does let every coach, athlete, parent, and fan know that we have attended 24 hours of training and that we annually attend State Interpreters meetings and local association meetings as part of the process to become certified - and maintain our certification. That certainly makes us more competent than those that do not.
So . . . . . . . hats off to you for wanting to be a better official and pursue your career. I hope you find your state affiliated program and you get your certification. It will make you a better official and allow you to move to umpiring higher level games.

[Edited by officialtony on Feb 20th, 2005 at 09:04 AM]

In NJ the NJSIAA patch signifies that you have met qualificiations, passed tests, and so on, such that you can do varsity baseball and/or softball games. Many umps do sub-varsity only and don't get patches to wear, though they are certainly "legal" as far as the NJSIAA is concerned. Umps at varsity games do not <i>have</i> to display a patch, but most do.

A few years ago, at the meeting where the patches were passed out, the association gave me four (I did baseball and softball), but somebody—had to be one of our own guys—stole them when I wasn't looking.

In Ohio it is mandatory to be certified by the State and wear the official OHSAA insignia if you are doing any level of a High Shool contest. While there are many games done each year in the spring and summer by officials without certification ( youth, travel leagues,etc. ), I have found through experience that those officials that do not wear the insignia receive a lot more garbage from the coaches than those who are certified and wear the " patch ". It may be that their officiating dictates the way they are treated, but I believe our certification also grants us a certain amount of respect by the nature of our earning it as a certified official. I can tell you that there are certified officials who are not as competent as others, but in general, most of the certified officials are better than most of the non-certified ones. Before anyone goes off - I said " most ". I have also seen some GREAT officiating done by people without certification who have been doing it for years and just chose not to work the level that requires certification -i.e. High School, College, etc.
Someone earlier in the post alluded that being certified ( patched ) means that you are licensed through the state and that it " means nothing else ". That couldn't be further from the truth. It means you are commited to getting better each year, that you have satisfied all the requirements that the State you work in feels you need to officiate, that you want to continue to learn and understand the sport by attending State Interpreters meetings and local association meetings, that you want to provide a consistency of officiating to young athletes and coaches that allows them to get the full benefit of the enjoyment of playing the game, and that it means more to you than just the money you get for being there.

Here in CT we are not only required to get patched, but afterwards you also get jewels to wear on our sleeves. Green is for Varsity, Blue is for JV. Orange means you did'nt pass the requirements, but we are short of officials. Red means your old, certified and grumpy.

One thing is for certain though, coaches can ask you at any point in the contest "Where are your Jewels", and you HAVE to show them. THATS EMBARRASSING!!!!!

[QUOTE]Originally posted by officialtony
Ted,
I'll also apologize for the smart alecs who didn't repsect your legitimate question.

Somebody leave a flaming bag on your doorstep? Lighten up.

I didn't see anyone "disrepecting" the original poster. I count three, including myself, who are not familiar with this "patching". Even the poster making a joke (that's joke, j-o-k-e) about glue followed with a question about the meaning of "getting patched"

In my neck of the woods it is no big deal. If you are a member of an assocation and pay your dues, they hand you a "patch" along with the rulebooks. Sometimes they chagre $1 for the patch, sometimes they don't. Sometimes they don't even call it a patch, but rather a "logo."

It isn't a patch that makes an official. It isn't a patch that creates the desire to work, study and improve. But if some states feel that only a patch can possibly signify "excellence", so be it.

Please pardon those of us who do not live in Ohio or Illinois for our ignorance.




[Edited by GarthB on Feb 20th, 2005 at 01:47 PM]

Nah, it just reminds me I have to remember to affix my patch for my 2 hoops games in IL this week. What a pain in the a$$.

And,
 

Under what possible thoughts could "OfficialTony" even remotely believe that he has the right to apologize for anyone but himself?

It takes all kinds,

[Edited by Tim C on Feb 20th, 2005 at 02:03 PM]

Ah folks . . . . you missed the whole point of my replies.
If you reread, you will see that I stated " it does not imply that we are competent officials . . " if we are certified. My point was to show the commitment to learning and trying to be better. If you are willing to give up the time to get certified, I guess I figured that long term it would make you a better official. My state certainly does not suggest that the patch can " signify excellence ".
I also stated that " there are certified officials who are not as competent as others . . ". Again my point was to show that being certified doesn't guarantee competence.
I didn't misquote anybody concerning the lack of respect some posters expressed towards the "patching " process. If they don't use that process in your " neck of the woods ", so be it. We DO and we are proud of it. I would rather work in my neck of the woods with others who have the same training. My preference - nothing more. It doesn't make me better than anyone else - or even as good as anyone else. It just puts me on the same page as everyone else.
If the things I expressed, including my apologies, didn't pertain to you, than certainly don't be offended by them. Just ignore them. I have learned alot from this forum - in other sports as well as baseball. I will continue to visit and learn from the others who participate.

Man, oh man . . .
 

OfficialTony sez:

"If the things I expressed, including my apologies, didn't pertain to you, than certainly don't be offended by them. Just ignore them."
-------------------------------------------------------
I will simply choose to ignore all your posts. Please speak for yourself, only.

Fair enough .
This is supposed to be a baseball forum.
There are those I choose to ignore also.
I'll keep my comments to baseball.

Thanks

Taking test online
 

In Illinois they have an webstite IHSA.org that allows you to take these tests online. It is very very easy to answer on the test sheet they give you and they answer the online test. Instead of mailing it to them and waiting for them to grade it and let you know this way gives you your score in less than a minute.

Since the test has to be taken by a certain date in March I'd bet ALOT of guys are burning up the site the last two days before the cutoff.

I was able to score a 96 on both the baseball and the softball this year and I believe it is an "80" that you have to score to stay off probation. I like to look up the answers that I have doubts on and I gave up trying to make a "100" becuase they always have a question or two that they end up throwing out or that they worded incorrectly. Seems like the last couple of years they like to get "cute" in their wording to TRY to get you to miss some questions.

As long as I score in the 90's it seems fair to me. The IHSA also mails you a rule book each year and a very helpful CASE BOOK that gives examples of certain questionable scenarios and what the rules are in each case.

I don't think I'm a "rulebook fanatic" on the field but I do want to be comfortable with my rule knowledge. I am totally amazed each year with how many coaches do NOT know the rules or are sure the rules are a certain way WITHOUT reading the rule book because their "old HS coach" taught them a certain way.

You know I almost commented earlier and then thought better of it. But you what, Tim, Garth, et. al. Tony has as much right to comment on anything on this board, take anyone on this board to task, and apologize for anyone he see's fit. Just as you have the right to be difficult, borish, childish, pain's in the kiesters.

Just as I have the right to tell you to go stuff all your critical, nitpicky, add nothing to the intelligent dialogue of this board comments as you have to fire right back at me. I typically try to keep it straight up, on the facts and civil, but I am abandoning that course for this particular post.

Very few people call out anyone on this board for acting like immature preteens and now Tim and Garth want to act all offended because someone tried to act civil and give a guy the benefit of the doubt. I'll tell you what, come off it. I should take anyone with an 8th grade education and about 10 seconds of actual thought to figure out what patched meant. It ain't freakin brain surgery.

Try acting civil and not sarcastic. It takes no great effort or brain power to be sarcastic. It's the lowest form of humor precisely because any idiot can do it. Your not special, just for the record. Feel free to ignore this post as well.

Rant over, as you were.

Kalix,
 

When you're right your right.

And the same is true when you are wrong.

You said:

" . . . and apologize for anyone he see's fit."

Under what thought process can anyone apologize for someone else.

I reserve the right to be childish, boorish and sarcastic. I will live with what that brings me.

But not throwing out baby/bathwater thingy:

EVERYONE knew what "patching" meant . . . some just wnat ed to explain that each state looks at it differently.

I really have no interest in what you care about me as long as it keeps my name in the papers.

Also please notice that all this thread my post have a very interesting Post Number.



[Edited by Tim C on Feb 21st, 2005 at 02:14 PM]

"Under what thought process can anyone apologize for someone else."

Under the same thought process that allows you to comment the way you do. Just as you can say anything that the moderators will let go, so can anyone else, which includes feeling like they want to apologize for your behavior, even if you don't understand why they would want to.

Isn't the internet great!

By the way, LMAO on the post number thing...

Classic

Thanks all of you for your responses.

I'm from a town called elmwood park illinois. I play for the Elmwood Park High School team and I'm a left pitcher. So you guys think its worth it paying 35 bucks and having it expire in June?

Thanks,

ted

Don't take this the wrong way, because we need people like you!!! However, if you are still playing, I doubt you will have much time to work games. In which case, it will probably be a waste if you are looking at it from just giving up 35 bucks. However, it would serve a purpose even if you didn't get to work any games and still got your license. You'd be able to read the rule book to take your test ( :) ) and be able to meet fellow officials and get your name in the hat for next year's scheduling.

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).

Re: IHSA Test
 

Finally broke down and started my test! LOL. Trying to get out of basketball mode and into baseball mode. It's a very slow process! :D

Lots of "looking up stuff"
 

It may be different for you tjones but when I took my IHSA baseball test it seemed like I had to look up almost every single question. Seems like they are really trying to "trip up" people with the wording of the questions the last two years.

I don't know if you do baseball AND softball like I do but I definitely noticed a couple of questions on the baseball test that if I had not of looked them up I would have gotten them wrong becuase of thinking sotball and not baseball. A lot of the guys around here (Harrisburg) are REALLY getting away from baseball and only going with softball. I know it is a QUICKER game but my heart will always be with BASEBALL!! Even if I work a 2-3 hr baseball game if there is a lot of good plays and good action it doesn't really seem to me to take that long.

Good luck and let me know how you did. Thanks

Question #58
 

Hmmm, I believe this one was on last year's test.

Better go false on #58/The ball is NOT immediately dead it should be a delayed dead ball. Lots of trick questions this year/Don't you think?

I got false too. But I was thinking this question was on last year's test too....maybe not?

Hey guys, here are my two cents on this matter. Spend the $35 and get your license. Join a local association, and start working local games as soon as the high school season ends. Most associations around will keep you working until late July and will want you to be licensed. Believe it or not, my estimate is that 20% of IHSA baseball umpires do not even work high school games. When I contact them for a high school assignment I hear more often that not they just wanted to get certified to do local games.

Now as far as the Federation test goes...I think it gets easier every year. After spending about 15 hours on the NCAA test, I started the FEd test and had 28 questions done in 10 minutes...all correct. Yea, they have wordy questions, but most all of them are verbatim out of the book and easy to find. Anything less than a 95 on this is a disappointment, imho.

Re: Lots of
 

Strike3UROUT,

FINALLY!!! I'm done with my exam. I was off and on today whenever I had time to finish it up. Anyways, they were tricky again this year!!! Got a 100. Now it's time for the rules interp, the one I'm going to is on Thursday in Olney.

email me Ted, I can help you out.
 

Mr. Smith

[email protected]