just starting out!!!!
 

hello everyone, im just starting this year to ump!
anyone have any good advice, ive registered with the state of michigan high schools.


anyone have any GAMES!!!

anyone selling any used equiptment..


joe t,

Oh my goodness.



awaits the arrival of the piranahs

There's usually a pretty good selection of used equipment on Ebay. But before you buy anything, do some research. There are some very informative threads in this forum where shoes, masks and chest protectors are discussed. I'm always interested in what has worked well (and what hasn't) for other guys.

Welcome aboard. You're doing great so far. Some newbies join the board by telling everyone how good they, how the job should be done, or what the rulebooks really say.

Avoid that pitfall and you'll survive this jungle well.

If you haven't already done so, register with a local association. Since i'm from Michigan as well, I know that the MHSAA website has a list of approved associations. Find one close by to where you live.
I know that a lot of associations are in the middle of assigning for this spring. Some already have most games covered, but there are always games that come up.
If you can find a vetern that you like and trust, listen to him/her, ask for advice. On your off nights, go watch high level umpires. Find out from your association, umpires that they recommend watching. Watch them ump, watch how they react to different plays, watch their mechanics,and watch how they deal with coaches and fans.
Have fun and welcome aboard.

Get some training in whatever levels (HS, LL, Babe Ruth, etc) you want to Officiate. Then get some more.

Do many games with Umpires with years of experience.

Keep The Ball In Front Of You.

Spend your equipment dollars on the very best you can afford even if it is used.

Did I mention Keep The Ball In Front Of You?

Study videos and games with two and three man positions and rotations.