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IUA NEW UMPIRE INFORMATION PAGE
We are now accepting new umpires for training in 2010.
The next New Umpire Training Class will be held
beginning January 10th 2010 at 5:00 p.m.
Click HERE to register for the up coming New Umpire Training Class
Q & A'S ABOUT BECOMING AN UMPIRE WITH THE IUA
Do I need previous umpire experience?
No experience is necessary to become an IUA umpire. We will train you in both rules knowledge and proper field mechanics before you ever call a game.
When and where are the New Umpire training classes?
The New Umpire training classes are held weekly at the La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center, 8450 La Mesa Blvd, in La Mesa. The first class will be on Sunday January 10, 2010 at 5:00 P.M. Classes will be held every Sunday at 5:00 P.M. (with the exception of Superbowl Sunday) until the spring season starts. Click HERE for a map.
I can't make some of the training meetings. Will that be a problem?
Not at all. We understand that you may not be able to make all of the meetings. Don't worry. While it is important to attend as many training meetings as you can, not being able to attend all of them will not jeopardize your chances of completing the training class.
I've never umpired before. What age group will I be assigned?
You will be assigned the age group you are most comfortable with and who the evaluators feel you are best qualified. You will never be assigned a level that is more than you can handle. Most new umpires start off at the 8 & 9 year old level.
Will I always stay at the lower levels?
You can always move up to a higher age level as you gain more confidence and show the evaluators you can handle it.
Will I umpire games by myself or will I have a partner?
During the regular season the leagues use one umpire mechanics so you will be the only umpire on the field. For most tournaments you may work with a partner using two umpire mechanics.
How long do the games take?
Games can go up to 7 innings but all have a time limit. Most games are done in 1 hour and 30 minutes.
How many games can I umpire a week?
You can umpire as many or as few as you like. You set your own schedule.
How much will I make as an umpire?
Currently umpires make $45 to $50 per game.
Do I need to buy umpire equipment or is it provided?
All umpires are responsible to purchase all of their own equipment, uniforms and supplies. (See the necessary equipment section below).
What other costs are involved for me to become an umpire?
The total approximate start up cost to become an umpire is around $300 - $350 and is broken down this way:
1. $120 to join the IUA
2. $75 assignment fee for your first 25 games
3. $135 - $185 to acquire all the necessary uniforms and umpire gear.
The GOOD NEWS is that you can make that investment back very quickly. You can be at the break-even point after you have worked around 7-10 games.
What does the $120 fee pay for and what do I receive when I join the IUA?
The IUA membership fee pays for your training materials as well as helps to defray operating costs for the association. It also covers your annual ASA membership fee, which pays for your liability insurance while you are on the field.
In addition when you join the IUA you will receive your umpire's "plate" hat, 2 IUA logo patches for your shirts and 2 American Flag patches for your shirts. You will also receive your own personal copy of the ASA Official Rules of Softball and your umpire binder that contains all the local league rules and maps to the fields.
What is the $75 assignment fee?
Each umpire pays a fee of $3 per game to the Assignment Secretary. This is the person who schedules your games for you. You pay the Assignment Secretary $75 for every 25 games that you are assigned. This fee must be paid before any games can be assigned to you.
When do I officially become an umpire?
After you attend the IUA rules classes and on the field training sessions. You must also join the IUA, pay the assignment fee for your first 25 games and purchase all the required umpire equipment and uniform.
Do I need to join the IUA, pay the assignment fee and purchase equipment in order to attend the umpire classes?
No. If you want you can attend all the classes before deciding to join and become an umpire. That way you can take enough time to decide if this is for you.
Where are the leagues that the IUA officiates?
Our leagues are located in southern San Diego County and go from Ocean Beach to Lakeside and as far north as Rancho Penasquitos. We even officiate a league in Ramona.
When is the softball season?
There are 2 seasons during the year. The spring season which runs from March through June and the fall season which runs from September through November.
When are games played?
During the spring season there are games played on weekdays but most games are on Saturdays. During the fall season the games are played on Sundays.
How do I register for the New Umpire Training Class?
Click HERE to go to the registration page and sign up for the New Umpire Training Class.
What umpire equipment do I need to get?
Here is what (at a minimum) you will need to get:
NECESSARY EQUIPMENT
Heather Grey Pants
Powder Blue or Dark Blue Umpire Shirt (available through the IUA)
Plate Hat
Black Shoes
Black Socks
Black Belt
Chest Protector
Shin Guards
Jock / Cup
Face Mask
Ball Bag(s)
Indicator (a.k.a. clicker)
Plate Brush
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
Plate Shoes
Base Shoes
Plate Pants (cut fuller to accommodate shin guards)
Navy Pullover or Zip Jacket (for colder weather)
Undergarments (i.e. InteraWear, Under Armor, etc.)
Line up card holder
**Remember, most of the items listed here can be purchased for a variety of prices, depending on the distributor, and the quality of the equipment. You should be able to purchase all the necessary equipment for under $200. Many companies like Honig's offer starter packages with everything you need at a discounted price. BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE LINKS PAGE FOR EQUIPMENT RESOURCES.
If you still have questions
Contact the Independent Umpires Association
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