Requirements for LSBA Umpires

1.      Umpires must be at least 14 years old by April 1st of the current year or currently enrolled in 8th grade or higher.
2.      Advancement will be determined by UIC, requirements need to be accomplished or in the process for consideration.
3.      Must have all equipment and uniforms for working behind the plate and in the field (see equipment list on Umpire Training page)
4.      Must show a working knowledge of all LSBA and MLB rules that are taught and provided through the LSBA umpire training program.
a)  LSBA age specific rules as well as the MLB rules are posted on the LSBA website HERE. The MLB rules can also be found at www.mlb.com.
5.      First- and second-year umpires must attend the umpire rules training sessions and the full weekend of on-the-field training. Dates and times vary from year to year, please check the website on the Umpire Training page for the most up-to-date schedule.
6.      Completion and passing of all classroom and field training is mandatory to be able to work as an umpire for LSBA.
7.      Umpires must act in a responsible and courteous manner while at Legacy Park and demonstrate composure in order to deal with on and off the field situations as they arise.
8.      Umpires must be responsible to turn in available dates to umpire and be able to communicate with the UIC, the Scheduling UIC and any of their assistants if issues arise that would keep them from working. You are an adult and this is your job, you are expected to fulfill the requirements of this position.
a)  When scheduled for games, you must arrive 30 minutes before your games are scheduled to start and check in with scheduler, UIC, or their assistants in the parking lot at the northeast corner.
b)  If you are unable to be there 30 minutes before your scheduled game time, you must call the Scheduler or UIC. DO NOT BE LATE FOR GAME TIME!!!  You must be at your scheduled field at least 10 minutes prior to game time for pre-game meetings with the managers. 
9. Umpires are required to start games on time or as close to the scheduled start time as possible if it is the second game of a double hitter. Umpires must keep games moving in a timely manner and have a working knowledge of the age specific rules for the age group you are umpiring.
10. Umpiring can be very rewarding and a great way to spend the summer. Have fun with this job, but remember this is your job and people are relying on you to do the very best of your ability.  You are an official and also a part of the game. How you represent yourself is how you represent LSBA.

Requirements for Advancement to Junior Level Status
1.      Minimum of 5 yrs experience within LSBA as an umpire. Exceptions can be made depending on age, outside/prior experience and UIC’s discretion.
2.      Your Senior Class must have graduated before advancement.
3.      Umpires must have worked at least 25 games for LSBA in the prior year before consideration of advancement.
4.      All field and classroom training sessions must be completed and all training requirements must be met before consideration.
5.      Must assist in one field training session for younger umpires in the current or previous year.
6.      Must meet and maintain a high level of proficiency on any and all Umpire Evaluations performed by the UIC.
7.      The UIC has the final decision for advancement.
8.      If your performance, based on evaluation performed by the UIC, does not reflect your level, you can and will be demoted.
a)  Before demotion you will receive a verbal warning, a written warning, and the third warning will be accompanied with a demotion in status.

Requirements for Advancement to Senior Level Status
1.      All Junior Level Umpires who wish to become a Senior Level Umpire must become MHSSA Approved by the State before consideration.
2.      Your Senior Class must have graduated before advancement.
3.      Must have assisted with two field training programs in previous years.
4.      Minimum of 2 years at Junior Level status with LSBA before consideration.  Exceptions can be made depending on age, prior/outside experience and the UIC’s discretion. 
5.      Must have worked an average of 15 games for the 2 years as a junior umpire before consideration.
6.      If your performance, based on evaluation performed by the UIC, does not reflect your level, you can and will be demoted.
a)  Before demotion you will receive a verbal warning, a written warning, and the third warning will be accompanied with a demotion in status.