To become a baseball umpire in Ohio, you must follow specific steps to get started. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
Registration:
Ohio uses a referee permit system for its officials. You must enroll with the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) to receive a referee permit in Ohio.
Age Requirements:
You must be at least 16 years old. High school students can not officiate varsity-level games.
Exams and Training:
A passing grade of 75% is required on both the rules exam and mechanics exam to become certified to umpire high school games.
Local Associations:
After getting certified, you can join a local association to help you obtain game assignments.
Umpire Classifications:
OHSAA has three classifications of officials:
Class 1 and 2 Umpires may work all varsity contests without restriction.
Class 3 Umpires may work contests up to grade 9.
Fees and Dues:
Be prepared to pay registration fees to your local association and the OHSAA. These fees cover essential resources like Rule Books and Case Books and the information you need to prepare for the online exam.