BRAND NEW Umpire...

[bossman72]

blind,

i was in your shoes a couple years ago. i had zero training from my association. The only training we had was they would assign me with a vet and after the game he would "tell me what i did wrong" AFTER i made an *** out of myself (we've since had a new president and we're going to change a few things this year). The only training i had was reading these forums and listening to guys like Tim and Garth. Believe me, this, along with my diligent rulebook studying, put me light years ahead of where i should be right now in my umpiring career. I got to do one of the games in our county's legion championship last year and i've become a respected umpire in my chapter- and it's pretty much thanks to the advice i got from this board.

If you listen and work hard to perfect your mechanics and rules knowledge, and you listen to advice on how to handle situations, you'll do great!

[MadCityRef]

I found the Sears Flex Slacks and Levi's Action Slacks to be reasonable in price and long-lasting. Trick is to buy them big enough for your shin guards.
Wal-Mart also has slacks. Dickies belts are $10 there. Black socks. Riddell makes inexpensive, good shoes. Try TJ Maxx or Ross Dress for Less for slacks and shoes. I picked up some under garments there this week.

Some items you can't get cheap. That's the nature of the business. Contact your local associations to get an email list of members. Maybe someone has stuff to sell.

Don't forget, cups are required this year!

[DG]

Originally Posted by MadCityRef

I found the Sears Flex Slacks and Levi's Action Slacks to be reasonable in price and long-lasting. Trick is to buy them big enough for your shin guards.

Don't forget, cups are required this year!

I will pass on the Flex Slacks and Action Slacks comments, as I used these early in my career. But I have never taken the field behind the plate without a cup.

My favorite catcher cup comment came from an on-deck catcher, who after I took a bouncer in the cup said "everybody should experience that once in life".

I guess if I had to prioritize umpire protection it would be mask, chest protector and the cup would be 3rd, but I ain't going out there without all three and don't need a rule to make me.

[mrm21711]

Originally Posted by MadCityRef

I found the Sears Flex Slacks and Levi's Action Slacks to be reasonable in price and long-lasting. Trick is to buy them big enough for your shin guards.
Wal-Mart also has slacks. Try TJ Maxx or Ross Dress for Less for slacks and shoes. I picked up some under garments there this week.

This is not professional nor the way to begin your career.