BASEBALL UMPIRE

Most umpires get their start by working at local recreation program games, middle school games, or high school games. To get started at this level, talk to local officials and contact associations such as the National Association of Sports Officials. With some experience, an umpire can move up to working at college games.

Once you have had some experience and have learned the rules of the game, there are two schools you can attend (see For More Information). Both schools offer courses during the winter. Classes last about five weeks. The best students at these schools are invited to stay for an extra week to be evaluated. The very best students in that group are then hired by the minor leagues.

Professional umpires work their way up through the leagues much as players usually do. According to Tom Leppard, the Major League Baseball director of umpire administration, it usually takes from seven to ten years in the minor leagues for an umpire to reach the major leagues.

In addition to attending one of the two umpire schools, a potential umpire needs a high school degree or GED, good eyesight, quick reflexes, and good coordination. An umpire must be able to remain calm in stressful situations, and, of course, he or she always has to be fair.