To become a baseball umpire in California, you must follow specific steps to get started. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
Registration:
All umpires must be registered with the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF).
Local Associations:
California has ten sections, each with CIF-approved associations for organizing referees. These local associations are responsible for training and certifying officials for high school games. They conduct meetings during the season to discuss rule updates, unique situations, and referee mechanics. While the CIF doesn’t directly provide training, it establishes the rules umpires must follow. Local associations also mentor new umpires to enhance their skills and assign them games.
Exams and Training:
To officiate high school sports in California, you must complete at least 18 hours of classroom training. This training ensures that umpires understand the rules thoroughly, know how to apply them during games, where to position themselves, and how to communicate effectively using signals.
Fees and Dues:
Expect to pay registration fees to your local association and possibly the CIF. These fees typically cover essential resources like Rule Books and Case Books and access to online exams and other preparation materials.