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To become a professional umpire, you have to go through at least 300 hours of training before you are ready to take the field. If you're just taking over for the local little league or tee ball games, however, you may need just a basic understanding of the rules of the game. Without proper training, you can easily make some rookie mistakes that can have coaches and players ready to call you "out!" Follow these basic tips to ensure a safe and fun environment on your playing fieldDress for success


The players arrive in uniform for the game; why shouldn't you? Wear nice pants, a solid, dark-colored shirt and a dark-colored cap to the game. Do your best to avoid wearing clothes or caps that sport logos or advertisements, as you don't want the players, coaches or parents distracted from the game.

To go hand-in-hand with this, arrive on time and prepared for the game. If you need to meet with the other umpires to coordinate signs or to discuss the game, do so before the game is set to start. Do not delay the game because you were unprepared.

Always watch the field

Baseball is a game that is constantly in motion. Whether you are behind the plate or umpiring from the field, be sure that you know where the ball, the runners and the batter are at all times. Action can happen after a call is made, so pay attention!


Similarly, you must watch each and every base runner to be sure that he touches the base while he is running, and that he does not leave his base too early on a hit or a pop-up. Coaches will call for appeals and it will be your responsibility to make sure that runners are not taking short cuts.

When you are behind the plate, it is your job to keep the game moving and to keep the players safe. You will be the one responsible for calling time outs, and consequently calling for play to resume. Signal the pitcher to play on only when all players are in their proper positions and ready to start again. Negligence on the field can result in missed calls or injured players.

Be mindful of the players

The most important thing you can do during a game is to be sure the players know what's going on. Call balls and strikes loudly to be sure that everyone can hear. Verbalize the count after each pitch so the batter, pitcher and catcher all know where they stand; this becomes especially important when there are two balls or three strikes.

You must also respect the players and their responsibilities. For instance, on ball four, do not tell the batter to take his base. It is the batter's responsibility to follow the count. Do not point to the base either, as this can be confused as the signal for a strike. Finally, do not attempt to coach a player by yelling "slide" or "hold up" to the runner. This is the coach's job, and if the player is listening to you he may be missing his coach's instructions.

Similarly, do not tell a batter that he is out after strike three. For youngsters and adolescents, striking out is humiliating enough without you yelling at them that they are out.