To become a baseball umpire in Arizona, you must follow specific steps to get started. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
Registration:
Before anything else, you need to obtain your Fingerprint Clearance Card. You can do this through the Department of Public Safety (DPS) or Crimshield.
After you receive your Fingerprint Clearance Card, you can register with the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) and begin becoming an umpire.
Age Requirements:
All umpires must be at least 18 years old
Area Commissioners:
Responsible for recruiting, training, assigning, and evaluating umpires in Arizona. They will guide you through your officiating career. Reach out to your Area Commissioner for more information.
Exams and Training:
You must undergo a background check to ensure you have no felony convictions. Additionally, passing the NFHS rules exam for your chosen sport is necessary. You’ll need to retest annually to keep your certification and stay updated on new rules and officiating points of emphasis by attending online rules meetings.
Advancement:
Your exam score determines the level of games you can officiate. A higher score means you can officiate higher-level games
90% exam score allows umpires to work in division one. Division one umpires must also attend an AOA clinic every other year
80% exam score enables umpires to work in division two. Umpires in division two must attend an AOA clinic every year.
70% exam score allows umpires to work in division three. Umpires in three must attend an AOA clinic every year.
Fees and Dues:
Be prepared to pay registration fees to your local association and the AIA. These fees cover essential resources like Rule Books and Case Books and the information you need to prepare for the online exam.