To become a baseball umpire in Arkansas, you must follow specific steps to get started. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
Registration:
The Arkansas Officials Association (AOA) certifies all umpires to officiate Arkansas high school baseball and softball games.
To become a referee in Arkansas, begin by registering with DragonFly. Use this Arkansas referee registration link for a detailed explanation of the process.
Age Requirements:
You must be 18 years old.
Exams and Training:
Prospective umpires must also submit to a background check to show that they have no past felony convictions and must pass the NFHS rules exam. All umpires must view an online “rules meeting” that will present new rules and officiating points of emphasis.
To maintain your certification, you must retest each year.
Umpire Classifications:
The grade that you receive will determine the level that you qualify to officiate.
You must achieve a 90% on the rules exam to work division one games. Division one umpires must also attend an AOA clinic every other year.
To work division two games, you must achieve an 80% on the rules exam and attend the AOA clinic annually.
To work division three games, you must achieve a 70% on the rules exam and attend the AOA clinic annually.
Fees and Dues:
Be prepared to pay registration fees to your local association and the AOA. These fees cover essential resources like Rule Books and Case Books and the information you need to prepare for the online exam.