Love baseball and want to make some money? Consider being a youth umpire! BNBA would like to invite any of
our past umpires as well as any potential umpires to apply to officiate games in our Recreational League for the
2023 season. The application and interview questions forms are posted below. If interested, please fill out the forms
and return them either by email, regular mail, or bring them in to the office starting March 1st.
Anyone from the age of 14 and up can apply to umpire for BNBA and although no experience is necessary, those
who have even minimal experience in umpiring, or, have at least played baseball will do well. However, even those
with no experience can learn to officiate with training. BNBA does provide two training dates just before the season
begins. We will also provide one on one training for those who feel they need more, as well as placing them with
a more experienced umpire. All returning umpires with 3 or more years of experience must attend the first training
session, and any new candidates or umpires with 2 or less years of experience must attend both sessions. The BNBA
insists that all our umpires be mature, independent, focused, and responsible.
BNBA umpires are required to have a blue game card with them at every game they officiate. Umpires should
fill out this card with the information requested and keep track of score and pitch count for every pitcher. At the
end of the game both Head Coaches should sign each umpire's card and rate their performance at the bottom of
the card. Officials should arrive at their scheduled game at least 15 minutes before game time, and be prepared to
start the game on time. BNBA requires 48 hours advanced notice from any official that can't work a previously
scheduled game. Even if 48 hours advanced notice is not possible, all officials are responsible to find a replacement
for any game previously scheduled. If an umpire arrives at a game site and the game is canceled after arrival,
they will be compensated, however, if the umpire is notified before arrival, they will not be compensated. BNBA
utilizes SignUpGenius to post umpire schedules. Umpires will be able to sign up for as many games as they wish
once the two training sessions are complete. A link to the schedule will be provided below.
Compensation: $25 per game for individuals with 2 or less years of experience, and $30 for individuals with 3 or
more years of experience. Any BNBA umpire who is IHSA certified will be compensated $40 per game. Any umpire
who scores above average on the coaches' ratings in a two-week period (must work at least 5 games) will receive
a $5 bonus per game that week. A $100 bonus will be awarded to the umpire who has the highest coaches' ratings
at the end of the season. Pay days are on the 15th and 30th of each month. Any game cards must be turned in
5 days prior to the pay day. For example: pay day is the 15th, cards should be turned in by the 10th. Paychecks
can be picked up at the office on pay day unless it falls on a Sunday.
Umpires officiate baseball games, and are responsible for observing game play, enforcing game rules, and, when necessary, making judgment calls regarding the actions of players and coaches. Typical umpire duties include:
- Enforcing game rules during play.
- Inspecting equipment and, if necessary, assessing players to ensure fitness for use or participation.
- Regulating when game play should start or stop.
- Listen to and resolve complaints by Head coaches.
- Setting and enforcing penalties.
Anyone considering becoming an umpire should perform a self-assessment and consider whether they possess the following qualities:
- A deep love of baseball and a strong understanding of its rules.
- A willingness to learn regulations and keep up-to-date on new policies.
- Time flexibility that allows for taking time off to attend clinics, trainings and games.
- The ability to pay attention to game play.
- The ability to make judgments about player and coach behavior and render a decision quickly on the field.
- The ability to keep one's cool when faced with angry coaches, players or parents.
- The physical ability to move around the field as necessary.