What to expect for first time umpiring
 

In NY where I live, I have contacted everyone I need to contact to start umpiring and in Feb. everything starts. I was just wondering what you guys have experience when you have just started and what is the first thing you do when the officiating classes start. Should I wait and buy a lot of the equipment and where do you start off when and if you pass the class?

Thanks you very much

Start going to a place like play it again sports and see what you can get for what you need to work as far as gear goes.... What softballl do you want to work? I am friends with the PONY UIC for NY and he is a great instructor.

I want to work ASA umpiring and that is who I have contacted and have let know im really interested. I have never heard of play it again sports. Where is that located?

You'll probably be joining a local umpire chapter - it might help to find one soon. Some of the chapter members may be looking to upgrade their equipment and be willing to give or cheaply sell their old equipment. I'd look at that before buying new, at least for some items.

The first thing you do is go out there and realize that it is harder than it looks. Expect to mess up on some rules and calls and forgive yourself. Just do what ever you can to learn from your mistakes.

Carry yourself with confidence but not arrogance.

Good luck - This is a lot of fun.

Do you plan to work slow or fast pitch? Or both? You should go watch some umpires work and make notes about mechanics, maybe ask some questions.

Study study study....know the rules. Knowledge will give you confidence. Then position. It's more important to have a good angle then to be close. Have fun & welcome!

You dont have fall ball in your area? Seems to me if you dig a little bit you might could get your feet wet a little sooner.

Dont worry about "passing" the class. It doesnt work that way usually. You will "pass" the class. That is just training, not a pass or fail deal.

I would say try to get a starter set of equipment.. ie not TOO expensive, but decent. Go to ebay and get a starter set. The reason is: As you are exposed more and more you will start to see what equipment suits you. So within a few years you, if you stick it out, you will probably go through a few more sets until you settle on what works for you.. or perhaps even different sets for different levels (like I have).

Also, umpiring is tough stuff. You will hate it and its not for you or you will love it and it becomes a passion. You probably wont know that until you really goof something up good and are in the heat of battle over it.

Dont burn yourself out worry about that imposing rule book. Take that one slowly. KNowing the rules without knowing the reason behind the rule or how it should situationally apply does little for you. Review it, but dont stress on it.

Good luck!

Forget Elmira, come to Ithaca, lol.

There is a Play it Again in Ithaca, two I think.

I think one of our umps sells some used gear too. I know she does hockey, I use hockey shin guards, smaller and lighter.

Wait to Feb. before you get anything. See what your board says and what they can help you with.

If you want some old tests with notes let me know I can scan some and email them.

I would say do Basketball this winter too.

:confused: This would help prepare him for softball how? Maybe he would learn how to deal with a--hole coaches and fans, but otherwise...?

well this is some information thanks, around this area there really isnt fall ball unless you wanna drive to binghamton. But I have been around the game all my life and I'm only 18. My sister has played from 8U to 18U so I have seen it all pretty much. My dad is still her coach and he would read the rule book backwards and forwards and it caught onto me so I mean I think I know the majority haha but there is still alot I don't know.

I planned on doing on fast pitch after you are done with the training what age level do most umpires start?

Thanks for all this information!

As for going to ithaca no thanks :) hahahaha

Basketball just isn't my sportillwatch it don't know anything about it besides travel double dribble you know the basics that you learn in gym class lol

Yep.

As for level, I know our board is low on numbers, Elmira I hear is a little better, but you will be going Modified and JV games right of the bat.

Modified by yourself too.

Let me know if you want some old tests.

Play it a gain sports is a franchise company with many locations all over the US what they do is take old gear and sell it... yes you might be buying used but you are also buying WAY cheaper than usual. Go to their web address and see if they have a franchise near you.