Become an Umpire

How do I become a BVSUA official?

These are the things you must do to become an umpire in the BVSUA:

  • Be 18 years of age
  • Fill out BVSUA Registration form
  • Attend a field clinic (Mandatory – see important dates on the home page)
  • Take and pass the Rules test (depending on the sport)
  • Pay the BVSUA dues
    (amount depends on season you start)
  • Obtain an official uniform & equipment
  • Attend the monthly BVSUA meetings

The clinic is where you learn the mechanics of umpiring. This includes the proper way to make call & enforce rules; proper positioning for making calls; how to communicate with other umpires; and division of responsibilities during a game. The BVSUA prides itself on having the best umpires in the entire state – it is during these clinics that the foundation for this excellence is laid.

The dues are collected by the local association to pay for your membership as a BVSUA umpire. Also, note, dues are are $20/Season.  Which means you only pay dues during the season you work unless you are a board member.  All Board members pay a lump sum of $60/year to the local association during the first season of the year.

For softball, official uniform consists of an official USA hat, official USA shirt, dark navy-blue slacks or ‘coaches shorts’, all black athletic shoes, ball/strike indicator, plate brush. For Basketball, Flag Football & Volleyball, official uniform is a black & white striped shirt, black shorts, no show socks and athletic shoes.  For kickball, official uniform consists of camo shirt, black shorts/slacks (‘Dockers’ type is fine), black cap, black shoes, no show socks.

Note that the requirements of the field clinic, rules test, & dues must be met every year – all the umpires in the BVSUA must attend clinics, take the test (if applicable), and pay the dues to be eligible to call games during that year.

How much does umpiring softball games pay?

The pay rates for Bryan & College Station city league games (which make up the bulk of the games officiated by the BVSUA) are under contract. The pay rate under the current contract (2023) is:

Slow Pitch / Basketball

Alt Sports

Fast Pitch
$24/game 1st year
$26/game 2nd year
$28/game 3rd year
$30/game 4th year		 Kickball – Flag Football – Volleyball

$20/game (no annual clinic)
$24/game (w/ clinic)

 $25.00 6U/8U

$30.00/$52.50 10U/12U/14U/16U

This table assumes 2 officials per field/court per game. The rate for 1 official calling games is topped at $30/game; except for girl’s FP.

Note that the pay raises for softball from year to year are not automatic. In order to receive the raise, you must meet all requirements and receive two good evaluations from the Training & Evaluation Committee.  After these have been met, your pay increase will come into effect the beginning of the new year.