To become a baseball umpire in Florida, you must follow specific steps to get started. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
Register with a Local Association
The first step is to register with an association in your area. These local boards are crucial in training and preparing sports officials across various disciplines. You can find the association link online and select your county and the sport you wish to officiate. This will help you connect with the officers of your local associations who can guide you further.
Age Requirements:
You must be 18 to become a high school umpire in Florida. However, there are opportunities for 16 and 17-year-olds to get involved with officiating through the Florida Student Officials Program.
Register with FHSAA:
Registering with the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) is essential. During registration, you’ll declare the sport or sports you intend to officiate and specify your association membership. Visit the Officials Central Hub for detailed information about this process.
Take the Online Exam:
After completing your registrations, you must take the online exam to demonstrate your understanding of the game’s rules. The exam consists of 50 questions and has a maximum duration of 75 minutes. Exams are scheduled just before the start of the season.
Fees and Dues:
Be prepared to pay registration fees to your local association and the FHSAA. These fees cover the cost of essential resources like the NFHS Rule Book, Case Book, Officials Manual, and insurance.