To become a baseball umpire in Illinois, you must follow specific steps to get started. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
Register with the Illinois High School Association:
Registering with the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) is essential. Upon completing your registration with IHSA, you will receive your rules and regulations book. The IHSA Handbook can give you more information about registering.
Age Requirements:
To become a high school umpire in Illinois, you must be at least 17 years old. Those officials who are 17 and older and fully licensed to officiate may work contests at any level, including IHSA post-season events.
15 and 16-year-olds may apply for a Provisional officiating license. This license is considered “officials in training” and can work in the local youth leagues, junior high level, and 9th grade level contests. To work 9th-grade contests, however, the provisionally licensed official must work the contest with a fully licensed IHSA Official.
Take the Online Exam:
After completing your registrations, you must take the online exam to demonstrate your understanding of the game’s rules. A passing grade of 80% is required. You must also attend an on-field clinic and watch an online presentation on rules.
Fees and Dues:
Be prepared to pay registration fees to the IHSAA. These fees cover the cost of essential resources like the NFHS Rule Book, Case Book, and Officials Manual.