WHY UMPIRE
Umpiring is a fun way to meet new people, while building your confidence through knowledge of the game and strict adherence to the rules.
Day in the Life of an Umpire
Here we will give an overview of what you can expect to experience as an umpire. Please ask yourself “do I have what it takes” while reading this. Ready?
Being an umpire can be very rewarding. And not just monetarily although it is important to note that it can be very lucrative. The most valuable takeaways are skills that you can carry with you throughout your adult life, skills that leaders possess and implement in their careers and personal pursuits. Example....if you’re known to be meek, maybe shy, or lack a take charge mentality, managing a children’s game can be a life changer!
It’s important to note that the average lifespan of an ump is only 3 years. That’s right- 3! This is not an easy part time job or side hustle that will help you save up for that first car, although if you work on your craft and challenge yourself to continuously improve, it can be the greatest part-time job around. Which is just how a lot of senior umps I know look at this profession. There are many positives but let’s shine a light on what could be construed as negatives.
Here we will review the factors that lead to many giving up on officiating...then we will review the positives which far outweigh the negatives.
All of you have participated in sports at some point in life, and can probably recall a time when you didn’t agree with a call an official made. It happens, officials are humans and, well...naturally we make mistakes. If prepared and we at NYB will provide proper and ample training, you can minimize these mistakes. For those that don’t learn the rules, or show up to the field unprepared, and subsequently get verbally abused, well there is the 3 year shelf life described above.
Picture a lead actor in a play. The stage is yours and hopefully you’ve rehearsed and prepared yourself for opening night. Know that you’ll have a heckler in front row, and news critics in attendance ready to pan your performance in the morning paper. The same can be said for an umpire.
The entire diamond is your stage. Although you may not be the lead actor, you WILL play the villain role. You’re in charge of everything that happens on the field, as well as the stands. Every decision you make will be scrutinized. Baseball is a game of inches so any close play, and amazingly this beautiful sport has several each and every game, will be cheered by 50% and jeered by 50%.
Also consider that these crucial and potentially game-changing determinations you’ve made not only come under the microscope, but also under extreme conditions. You’ll have armor from head to toe, with field conditions that can exceed 100 degrees. If you can handle the physical stress and criticisms, please read on.
At NYB we provide ongoing training and mentoring. We will put you in a position to succeed. A lot of it, however, is on the individual. For example....baseball has more rules than any other sport. You must know them as well as or better than anyone on the field. You’ll also be responsible for enforcing them, with only a second or two to make your determinations for the play that just transpired. Just because you played in school or took part in a recreational league, don’t assume this will be a “walk in the park”. Like the lead actor, it takes preparation.
Now, the skills you will build are priceless and lasting. Integrity, respect, discipline, leadership, public speaking, handling situations, and so many more qualities and skills await you. And yes the money is great as well.
Below are a few thoughts from our current Rookies, Lead Umpires, and Senior Umpires sharing why they enjoy umpiring at NYB.
Briton Condellone
Starting as an umpire is difficult, training is hard. However, once you get started and do a lot of games it will get easier. It is so important to ask questions about anything and everything you can think of. I have been an umpire for a full three seasons and I am looking forward to moving up into Middle school and High School. I have learned a lot through the last three years. Not just about baseball but about myself. I have learned how to deal with stressful situations and I have developed my communication skills. Also, you will have situations you haven’t learned about. It is so important to ask about those situations. You will learn how to deal with a lot of different situations and how to deal with coaches. I am excited for the season and to be helping everyone to develop their umpire skills.
Nate Cook
Umpiring has improved my communication skills and allowed me to become more comfortable when dealing with people older than me. The experience that I’ve had over the past two summers has strengthened my mental toughness and confidence in my judgement. As a Boy Scout, many years are taken by that program to develop life skills, and I believe that umpiring does the job just as well in cultivating social and mental skills needed in life and the workplace.
Canaan Murphy
More than anything for me, being an umpire allowed me to have fun while being paid. It rarely ever felt like a job I loved working with kids in the past and I love baseball. Obviously there were some days harder than other, but I always had my workmates and bosses to go to when I needed. I definitely want to improve on remembering the rules for each age without having to look it over before each game. But overall umpiring is the best job for anyone who loves baseball.
Trent Rice
Umpiring is so much more than just a summer job. As someone who is graduating college and joining the workforce I can say that umpiring builds life skills that are valuable to any and all employers. Umpiring instills discipline, quick thinking, and confidence through knowledge of the game and strict adherence to the rules. Conflict resolution, professionalism, and a strong work ethic are among other skills learned through umpiring that will form you into a better person not only in your professional life, but in your relationships with everyone in your personal life. In my most recent and successful interview for my current position we discussed umpiring and how the skills I gained through that experience made me a better candidate for the position. Umpiring is and will remain on my resume.
Sam Santos
Being an umpire at NYB has allowed me to stay in touch with the game I grew up loving. Every tournament reminds me of some of my best memories as a kid. I love being a part of the competitive atmosphere and the pressure to make the right call. My experiences as being an umpire at NYB have taught me many lessons and ultimately helped me grow as a person. I enjoy being able to help new umpires get comfortable with their role and playing a part in sparking a kid’s love for the game of baseball