license

[Tim C]

In Oregon we do not use the term "license" . . . we have two levels:

Certified means eligible to work varsity games if assigned (score 75 on the NFHS Test 2 closed book) and,

Playoff Eligible means that you can work any level playoff game if assigned (score of 90 on NFHS Test 2 closed book).

We get the NFHS certification card that I believe some groups call a "license."

EDIT:

I was simply reviewing the "license" part of the OP.

So:

In Portland, OR an umpire needs to pass the test (see above) and also attend a mandatory three umpire clinic (to work playoffs).

In Oregon each umpire must attend a local presentation about the rules changes for the new year. Failure to do this again will disqualify an umpire from working playoffs.

As to "guys off the street" . . .

It is hardly possible to come in off the street and work varsity baseball in our area. It is expected that Freshman and Junior Varisty Umpires literally are new and come in off the street.

HOWEVER:

During the first two years of a new umpire's life in Portland he will attend over 80 hours of class room instruction. He will also have to attended 16 hours of field mechanic instruction.

We have classroom instruction each Tuesday and Thursday night (split classes for geographic familiarity and ease) . . . on four Monday nights we meet at a high school field and teach. The classroom work takes two hours each time and the field work 3 hours.

This past weekend we had our mandatory field clinic that ran from 8AM to 5 PM both Saturday and Sunday. Umpires were given on field rotational training and then ended with "camp games."

Each day we had four cages going for balls/strikes and each umpire was video'd.

So, as you can see, no one just walks on to the field in Portland, OR.
Regards,