To become a baseball umpire in West Virginia, 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 WEST VIRGINIA SECONDARY SCHOOL ACTIVITIES COMMISSION (WVSSAC). You must complete a RefReps Officiating Education Module or a Local Board Training course.
Training Options:
RefReps: This is an online training module where you do all your online training. The rest of the training happens in person with your local board. Before the local board training class ends, you must show your completion certificate to your training instructor.
Completing the above training makes you eligible for a WVSSAC officiating license.
Although there’s a cost for the online module upfront, the registration fee is waived by the WVSSAC for your first year. Once you start your online course, contact the WVSSAC to get connected with the local board in your area for the in-person training.
Ensure you finish the online and in-person training promptly to avoid registration delays for your chosen sport.
Local Board Training: This is a 30-hour in-person class consisting of 20 hours of classroom work and 10 hours of practical training. After completing the class, you’ll receive a link to register and pay the necessary fees.
Age Requirements:
To become a WVSSAC official, you must be at least 18.
You must be at least 16 or older to register for a training class. Those under 18 can only officiate middle school contests with a veteran official.
Fees and Dues:
Be prepared to pay registration fees to the WVSSAC. These fees cover the cost of essential resources like the NFHS Rule Book, Case Book, and Officials Manuals.