Okay, folks, let’s talk about how I got tangled up in this umpire association thing.
It all started because I wanted to get more involved in baseball, beyond just being a spectator. I figured, why not become an umpire? So, I started looking into how to make it happen. The first thing I did was a simple web search, just to see what was out there. I typed in “umpire association” and started browsing through the results.
I stumbled upon the National Umpire Association. Their website was pretty straightforward. It said joining was “fast and easy” – and who doesn’t love fast and easy? They had all sorts of information about training and resources for umpires, which was great for a newbie like me. I learned that they offer educational programs and resources for umpires at all levels, from youth leagues to college games. That’s when I first heard about this organization. I thought it’s really cool and wanted to check it out.
The next step was figuring out the cost. Turns out, it’s not too bad. It’s 65 bucks for the first division you get certified in, and that includes a 10-dollar fee for some kind of accident and liability insurance. I thought, “Okay, that’s not a huge investment to get started.”
I dug a little deeper and found out that these associations do a lot more than just certify umpires. They provide training, support, and even help connect you with local leagues. It’s like a whole community of people who are passionate about umpiring, which I found pretty cool. I discovered that they have an online training course that covers all the important stuff, like officiating skills and game rules. Plus, their website has a bunch of updates on mechanics, official baseball rules, and even quizzes to help you remember everything. They even have contact information for different states, so you can find a local group to join. I decided to go for it and signed up.
I also learned that there are different associations out there, like this one called NASO, which has a ton of members. Apparently, if you’re having trouble finding a local group, the state associations can usually point you in the right direction.
What I Learned
- Joining is Easy: You can join these associations online, and it’s pretty quick.
- Training is Available: They offer online courses and resources to help you learn the ropes.
- It’s Affordable: The membership fees aren’t too steep, at least not for the National Umpire Association.
- Community Matters: These associations are like a community, connecting you with other umpires and local leagues.
So, that’s my story about getting involved with an umpire association. It’s been a cool way to get closer to the game I love and meet some interesting folks along the way. Hope this was helpful for anyone else thinking about becoming an umpire!
