A member of

Our Vision

The Transformation of Youth Baseball Umpiring

Over the past decade, youth baseball umpiring has experienced a significant transformation. In earlier years, most leagues depended on dedicated volunteers—parents, family members, and former coaches—who would spend an evening each week calling balls and strikes, fair and foul, safe and out. These volunteers, with varying skill levels and minimal formal training, often relied on their own playing experience. Yet they brought something invaluable to the field: a genuine love for the game and a commitment to fostering sportsmanship and character in young athletes.

As recruiting dependable volunteers became increasingly challenging, leagues turned to paid, certified umpires. While these officials, trained primarily under high school rules, often brought greater consistency and control to games, they also introduced higher costs and sometimes lacked familiarity with the nuances unique to different youth leagues. Additionally, some parents and coaches perceived that a subset of these umpires prioritized efficiency and compensation over player development. This shift, coupled with the pursuit of advanced training by many umpires, unintentionally widened the gap between umpires and coaches, shifting a collaborative relationship into one marked by competition.

A New Way Forward

With extensive experience across high school, collegiate, and professional levels—and a shared passion for USSSA baseball—UICs from around the country recognized a need for change. The National Baseball Committee, along with local and state directors and UICs, frequently hear concerns from local officials and witness challenges firsthand. Motivated by these insights, we conducted a comprehensive review of the processes involved in becoming a USSSA umpire.

In the coming years, we plan to prioritize both competency and mentorship. Our team of trained umpires is dedicated not only to teaching the rules but also to providing their context and ethical application. We aim to rekindle the spirit of volunteer umpiring while offering fair compensation, ensuring that our umpires bring both expertise and passion to the field.

At USSSA, we believe that umpires elevate a game from a mere scrimmage to an official match and provide invaluable mentorship to all who step onto the field. Our umpires understand that perfection is an ideal, not a standard, and welcome the opportunity to collaborate with coaches. When questions arise, we are committed to discussing calls respectfully to foster mutual understanding.

The USSSA National Umpire Association

The USSSA National Umpire Association offers a structured program for umpires officiating at all levels of USSSA, emphasizing professionalism, integrity, and a passion for the game. Members gain access to comprehensive training and resources, fostering an in-depth understanding of USSSA rules, Official Baseball rules, field mechanics, and their practical application on the field.

Membership Benefits:

  • Rule books for each certified division
  • Access to the official Umpire Guide
  • Printable member ID card
  • Member-only content, exclusive products, and discounts
  • Weekly umpire training meetings
  • Yearly rule change notifications
  • Eligibility for World Series selection
  • Listing in the USSSA umpire registry
  • Access to regional and state clinics

With the support of the National Baseball Committee, our association proudly upholds the highest standards of youth baseball, creating an environment where players can grow and learn, coaches feel supported, and umpires fulfill both their duty and passion.