How to Join Us
We welcome new officials with or without experience.
If you are transferring from another high school baseball unit, we do require that you get a letter from your former unit’s secretary, president, or instructional chairman stating that you are leaving as a member in good standing.
The San Gabriel Valley Unit of the California Baseball Umpires Association trains and certifies umpires that work games in and around the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles County for CIF Southern Section high schools. Joining the San Gabriel Valley Unit of the California Baseball Umpires Association is easy! Simply fill out the online membership form here. Our meetings are listed on the calendar section of this website. Attend a meeting and you’re well on your way!
Training
We offer a comprehensive training program for all umpires, including first year umpires. All umpires are expected to attend regular, mandatory meetings that begin in late January or early February each year. See the calendar for full schedule of meetings.
Your First Year
First-year umpires are assigned games on a week to week basis. Usually working with the more experienced umpires, first-year umpires can expect a lot of personal guidance on the field.
Why Become an Umpire?
Umpiring baseball can be enjoyable for a number of reasons. Many find that the challenge is what attracts them. For others, it’s being involved in baseball up close and personal that is the attraction. Most umpires enjoy the strong camaraderie that exists among the fellow umpires.
New Umpires Frequently Asked Questions:
Where do I get the uniform and supplies?
Honigs.com is a local and online supplier of umpiring uniforms and equipment. Other online suppliers can be found on our links page.
How many umpires work a game, and who works behind the plate?
While most high school games use two umpires, sometimes a lower level game, freshman or junior varsity, may only use one umpire. In the playoffs, three umpires are used–one behind the plate, one at first base, and one at third base. Your position is assigned for each game. Throughout the season, most umpires split their time pretty evenly between the umpiring the plate and the base.
How much money will I be paid for my games?
Umpires receive around $70-$90 per game for High School games. A lot of umpires work youth leagues and/or adult leagues, which can pay around $45 on up. You certainly won’t get rich doing it, but you will make some extra money, and you will have a lot of fun!
How much does it cost to be an umpire?
Dues for the association are about $90/year. Dues pay for the rule book, case book, mechanics book, etc. All umpires are required to have liability insurance, which can run from $40-$150 per year. For each game that you are assigned, you will pay the assignor a fee of $5 per game. Equipment and uniform costs start around $2000 for the most very basic gear, and go up from there.
How do I move up?
Work hard, study hard, and become the best official you can be at the level you do. Once you are the best Frosh/JV official, be the best Varsity official. After 5 years or so, you may decide to start working junior college baseball. There are plenty of umpiring clinics, camps, and schools all around the country, too, that will help you to develop your skills. Whether you want to move up or not, don’t forget that the reason you are umpiring is to have FUN and that the game is about the kids and not about you!
What about other sports?
Many of our umpires work other sports as well. For football, please see the website of the San Gabriel Valley Football Officials Association. For basketball, please see the website of the California Basketball Officials Association, San Gabriel Unit.