Umpiring Baseball is a fantastic way to get involved with the Club. It can be daunting, yet challenging and rewarding, and without our volunteer Umpires we can’t play Baseball. It’s a great way to facilitate and obtain a greater understanding of the game.
WestCity encourages the 2nd year 16U players to complete the Umpires course, and assist in umpiring junior games (and earn a few bucks for doing it).
All umpires need to obtain accreditation, which can be provided by attending Umpiring sessions through Baseball New Zealand. Becoming an Umpire not only helps your Club, but there are many opportunities to increase your accreditation and umpire to a National or even International level.
Baseball New Zealand Umpire Course
Registrations for the Baseball New Zealand Umpires Course is now open. Please contact Warren at warren.vanrooyen@baseballnewzealand.com or warrenvanrooyen@gmail.com if you wish to attend. Alternatively, let us know at baseball@wcbc.co.nz
Theory Session
Date: 2nd September
Venue: Sports Auckland, Alexander Raceway Greenlane
Time: 7pm
Practical Session
Date: 9th September
Venue: War Memorial Park
Time: 7pm
Umpire Development
Baseball New Zealand is responsible for administering the Baseball New Zealand Umpire Development Programme which is comprehensive for umpires, starting with Kiwiball and junior baseball all the way through to high performance senior games. With teaching and supervision from BNZ Umpire Instructors, you will enhance your understanding of the game and in turn, the enjoyment of the sport. Becoming an umpire requires the support of people who have travelled the same path, and who know what you need to know for you to enjoy the role of umpiring.
Umpiring is an excellent way to stay involved in the greatest of games as well as earn some extra money. When you become an umpire there are many opportunities for you to progress to a higher level. The pathway for umpires is very similar to that of a player. You can start at your local club and progress your way through to the international level umpiring both tournaments and overseas competitions.
Five Reasons to become an Umpire
- The challenge and enjoyment of umpiring an exciting baseball game from the ‘best seat in the house
- The opportunities to umpire at club, regional, national and even the international level by progressing through the development pathway
- The camaraderie within the umpiring fraternity
- The chance to supplement your income whilst pursuing your hobby
- To play a key role in the future of the great sport of baseball.
Umpire Accreditation
Umpires obtain and maintain a National Accreditation, which can be obtained by completing an umpiring course during the year. Various levels of courses are conducted throughout the year by the Director of Umpiring.
- Community Umpire
- Introduction to Umpiring – Junior and Senior Club games
- Association Umpire
- National Umpire
- International Umpire
“The integrity of baseball is embodied in the Umpire upon whom the trust is placed to ensure the game is played by the rules guaranteeing fairness for those involved. During the course of performing these prescribed duties, the Umpire must at all times interpret and clarify rules as they are written. Words can never be written to cover all situations in our great game and therefore incidents may occur which call for the sound and fair judgement of the Umpire.”
