Umpires

There are many ways to contribute to the games of baseball and softball. One of the most exciting ways to contribute is to become an umpire. It is a great way to give back to the community and become involved in the games without being a player or coach. Interested players and non-players can develop umpiring skills and learn other critical skills that will help them in their future. Our youth umpire program is available to anyone ages 10 and up and prior experience is not required. 

Becoming an umpire will teach you:

• Knowledge and rules of the game
• Accountability/Responsibility
• Hustle
• Commitment/Dedication
• Leadership
• Confidence

Although umpires strive to get every call right on the field, we believe these qualities are more important to develop in our youth umpires. 

No umpire (youth or adult) is perfect and there will be missed calls on the field. There will be zero tolerance for unacceptable behavior towards umpires by coaches, players, and parents. All umpires are fully supported by the MBSA Board of Directors and any issues of mistreatment of umpires by anyone will be taken seriously and addressed in a timely manner by the Board.

Youth umpires will be trained by experienced umpires and provided the appropriate tools and support to be successful.

MBSA will host at least one, new umpire training each year. All new youth umpires will be required to attend the training. Returning youth umpires aren't required to attend the new umpire training, but are encouraged to attend. At least one refresher training will be held per year, for all returning youth umpires. All returning youth umpires will be required to attend this training. Details (Date, time & location) for any training session(s) will be communicated through mbsaonline.org, email, Facebook and Instagram.

All youth umpires (new and returning) must register must register for the season with MBSA. A registration link will be sent out through email, post on social media as well as posted on mbsaonline.org.

MBSA will provided each youth umpire with:

• Blue umpire shirt
• Hat
• Plate brush
• Ball/Strike/Out indicator

For home plate umpires (if applicable), they will have access to MBSA owned masks, chest protectors, and shin guards. This equipment is available in the umpire shed at the MBSA complex and must be returned after each game.

All house game assignments will be assigned through the MBSA Horizon Web Ref website. An Assignr.com account will be created for all youth umpires and their login information will be emailed to them (or their parents). Each youth umpire/parent should keep their account updated with email addresses, home addresses and phone numbers. Umpires/Parents will be required to submit/update umpire availability on their Assignr.com account.

All youth umpires will be paid for each game completed or if a game is cancelled within one-hour of start time due to inclement weather. Pay varies based on level of game and home plate or field umpire responsibilities.

MBSA uses youth umpires ages 10 and up to umpire A (7U), AA (8U), Minors (9U & 10U), house baseball games as well as Minors (10U) house softball games.

Adult umpires will typically be used for Majors (11U & 12U) house baseball games, although, youth umpires age 14 and older may be also be used.

Adult umpires will be used for Majors (12U) and Junior (14U) house softball games, provided by the Great Lakes Officials Associations (https://www.mygloa.com/) 

Youth umpires must be at least two years older than the age/division they umpire for. For example, a youth umpires must be at 12 years old to umpire our Minors division games. Exceptions may apply based on need and performance of each youth umpire.

MBSA uses Fox Valley Blues Umpire Association (https://www.fvbumpire.com) for all 11U – 14U travel baseball games. All umpires provided will be Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Certified officials that meet the Lake Shore Feeder Baseball League umpire requirements.

Umpires age 16 or older will be used for 8u-10u travel baseball and will be assigned by the MBSA Director of Umpires (Umpire-In-Chief).