Some officials will want to move on to the college level. This will involve joining another association, taking a test, and proving oneself again. College officials receive very good per game salaries, and most conferences also pay travel expenses.
One major college conference listed its requirements: applicants for officials' positions should be less than forty years of age when applying, in good physical condition, and able to pass an exam. These requirements must be met, and three ability references must be submitted. While a high school diploma is necessary
A college degree is preferred. In addition, the person must have employment and residence in close proximity to the conference. The candidate's job has to permit flexibility so the official is free for travel and games. While some background as a player is desirable, the officiating experience must include eight to ten years at the high school level plus approximately four years in comparable conference. If these criteria appear too demanding, remember that most positions will not be this difficult to obtain-the above requirements represent a special situation forgone of the nation s premier conferences.
Officiating Schools
Although a study of the readership of Referee magazine indicated that most officials became introduced to their profession by friend or through participation in sports, many future officials probably will enter their career as a result of attendance at school. The officials' associations provide training program frothier new recruits; the schools, however, represent an in depth, concentrated approach to learning the official's art. Some master officials conduct annual conferences for officials. These clinics, usually two day meetings, exist for officials of all levels who wish to improve their skills.
The following serve as typical examples of the schools available. One of the nation s best known and most popular programs is the Harry Wendelsted School for Umpires. The specific purpose is to supply supervised training for young people to qualify for umpire positions in professional, college, high school, semi pro, and sandlot baseball. The school, which meets for six weeks, runs from directly after the New Year's holiday until early February. The program follows this schedule. Classes begin at 8:30 a.m. with a ninety minute session that explains and tests the student knowledge of the rules and situations that actually confront umpires. At 10:30 a.m., the class reports to the playing fields where a program of exercises and conditioning takes place. Following this, a series of practice drills provides instruction improper mechanics-stance, voice control, positions, and others. Each student receives instruction and practice in all phases of umpiring. After the completion of the first ten days of school, the late afternoons-3:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.-are spent working high school and college games.
No jobs are promised, hut many of Wendelstedt's graduates have entered the profession at all levels. Some (approximately 15) exceptional students do receive appointments directly after finishing the school, and many are called at a later date. This school has trained the majority of the officials in blue working in the majors today.
One graduate, Ed Barycki, decided to attend the school after working a few Softball games: "The umpiring hug bit me, and I went to Harry's just wanting to learn, and I ended up the top graduate in the class!" Following graduation, Barycki worked in the South Atlantic League, then in the Carolina League (both affiliates of major league baseball). However, he missed the timeaway from his home and family. He gave up his attempt to make it to the "bigs." However, he stayed within the profession by moonlighting as an umpire for major college games on the EastCoast.
Eric Gregg, in his hook Working the Plate: The Eric Gregg Story, suggested that umpires in the minors not marry-they cannot afford it. Salaries for umpires in these leagues remain very poor. (Undoubtedly, this contributed to Ed Baryckis decision to give up the minor league life.) According to the Major League Baseball Umpire Development Program, salaries for minor league umpires ranged from $2,000 to $3,400 per month in 1997.Typical subjects covered by student umpires include:
- In depth examination of the current Official Baseball Rule Book
- Home plate mechanics, including timing, voice control, and positioning
- Instruction in moral conduct
- Proper use of fair and foul signals by base and home plate umpires
- Extensive use of video aids
- Guest lecturers
- Practice, practice, practice of umpiring skills
Following lunch, the refs work games of high school players attending a nearby camp. Each one receives an evaluation of the game he or she officiates. Evenings find the students actively officiating; each ref participates in four games daily. At the conclusion of camp, each person receives an honest appraisal of her or his ability. The refs attend to expand their knowledge and skills with the hope that they can improve the level of games they work. Many do profit and move up; others may need further improvement that will come through experience.
