Throat protector. And in case I don't mention it... throat protector. I know this from personal experience. Drilled in the neck once - WAY worse than forgetting your cup.

And if he's doing youth ball, you can wait on the steel toed shoes until you know if he's serious.

One thing I did my first season - half of all my umpiring money got set aside until i could afford whatever piece of equipment I needed next. By the end of the first season, I had solid equipment everywhere.

Thanks to all who have replied. I picked up the Diamond lightweight (DFM-iX3) today at a local baseball warehouse that's close by. It's very light compared to some of the other models they had in stock (no titanium or high-end stuff so it was apples to apples in terms of cost).

If he ends up doing any plate work I will definitely tell him to invest in a throat protector as he inherited his father's long neck.

He's also running an account with us (we're purchasing and he's paying back once he starts getting game fees in) for the up-front costs. The good news is that the starter kits I've seen have been pretty comprehensive. The association he'll be calling with just let them know this past weekend they needed a mask for training this coming weekend, hence my need to get feedback quickly.

Thanks again - speaking as a coach you all have always been respectful and very helpful answering my questions, but I especially appreciate your assistance in helping my son out as he gets started officiating.

We're glad to have him.

When are you going to give up the ghost and come over to the darkside? You know too much to be coaching still. :D

When I no longer have any kids playing to coach of course (though I think I'll always have a soft spot for coaching catchers and continue doing that regardless)! I already referee basketball and would like to get into umpiring at some point. Simply love the game and that seems to be a natural (un-natural?) progression. Plus it would be a kick to officiate with my son at some point, assuming he stays with it.

I understand. I am just yanking your chain, it is great we have good coaches in the game such as yourself.

Already factoring...since I know that you can buy just the frame alone on ump-attire.com. :)

Mike said,
"And if he's doing youth ball, you can wait on the steel toed shoes until you know if he's serious."

I had a terrific young umpire who worked Minors ball that didn't wear steel toed shoes (against my advice) who took a foul ball in the foot and broke two toes. He missed half the season and was never the same after that. He got very jumpy behind the plate and never stayed still. He eventually quit umpiring.

So, do what you feel is best, but I would never advise anyone get behind the plate without protection on their feet.