How do I become an ASA umpire with the BVSUA?

There are 5 things you must do to become an umpire in the BVSUA:

• Attend a field clinic (Mandatory)
• Take and pass the Umpire Rules test
• Pay the BVSUA yearly dues
  (amount depends on season you start)
• Obtain an official uniform & equipment
• Attend the bi-weekly BVSUA meetings

The field clinic is where you learn the mechanics of umpiring. This includes the proper way to make an out call, safe call, strike call, etc; proper positioning for making calls; how to comminicate with other umpires on the field; and division of responsibilities on the field. 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 rules test is a 100 question multiple choice open book test. To pass, you must score 70% or greater. The rules test is to make sure you understand the rules of the games (of course).

The $75 dues are collected by the local association. A large portion of these dues pay for your membership to the National ASA umpire association, as well as providing for an insurance policy while engaged as an ASA umpire. Also, note, these dues are prorated during the year; $75 is the fee during the spring season, $65 during the summer, and $55 during the fall.

The uniform consists of an official ASA hat, official ASA shirt, dark navy-blue slacks or 'coaches shorts', all black althletic shoes, ball/strike indicator, plate brush. For fast pitch and tournaments you will also need a ball bag. The official hat & shirt may be purchased through the association with the understanding that you will have to pay back through your umpire's check. The slacks may be purchased at any clothing store (they need to be the polyester type - not 'Dockers' type). Coaches shorts and a package containing an indicator and plate brush can often be found at Academy or Honigs. When long slacks are worn, you must wear black socks; when shorts are worn, you must wear white 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 the clinic, take the test, and pay the dues to be eligable 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 (2008) is:

This table assumes 2 umpires per field per game. The rate for 1 umpire games is 50% more.

Note that the pay raises from year to year are not automatic. In order to receive the raise, you must call at least 60 games the previous year and recieve two good evaluations from the Training & Evaluation Committee.