Herndon Reston Youth Baseball (HRYB) has a unique umpire program that trains and employs youth and adults as umpires and scoreboard operators.

Why Umpire?

Umpiring is a great way to gain leadership experience. For many kids, umpiring is their first real job. As with any job, there are many things that can be learned from the opportunity. We hope our HRYB umpires learn to:

• Manage their schedule and show up on time
• Talk to adults
• Create a positive environment for younger kids to have fun playing baseball
• Interpret and enforce the rules of the game
• Make decisions accurately and quickly
• Learn from mistakes
• Communicate concerns

Officiating any sport is a challenge. It requires confidence in your ability to recall rules and make good judgments. It is a fun job, but it is not suited for everyone. It is physically and mentally challenging as it requires a lot of concentration, and the confidence to make a decision on every pitch and play.

HRYB game official managers will work with you to develop your skills (observing and offering feedback), but you are responsible for learning the rules of the game and applying those rules and skills in game situations.

Umpire Requirements

Candidates for the HRYB Umpire Program must be willing and able to meet the following requirements:

Age: Umpires and scoreboard operators must be in 5^th-12^th grade.

Email Address: Each umpire/scoreboard operator must be registered with a unique email address (i.e., different from parents' email addresses) for the availability, assignment, and post-game reporting functions to work properly. 

Pre-Season Training: Umpires and scoreboard operators must attend one of the pre-season trainings.

Game Days: Games are held during the week in the evening, Saturdays, and Sundays at Herndon area ball fields.

Availability: Umpires must be available about once per week during the season. Umpires and scoreboard operators will post their availability each week. You will be trained how to do this during your pre-season training.

Attire: All umpires will wear the umpire shirt and cap issued by the league. Umpires will provide their own gray or black pants (not sweats) and athletic shoes. In cold weather, a black or dark blue shirt can be worn under the umpire shirt. 

Game Reports: Umpires and scoreboard operators must complete game reports within two days after completing their assigned game(s) using our online game officials management system. You will not get paid for the game(s) unless you complete a game report. You will be trained on the system during your pre-season training.

FAQs

What types of assignments are available?

Two umpires are assigned for each game, a plate umpire and a field umpire. A scoreboard operator is assigned for games at Bready Park and Haley Smith Park.

I am only available to work certain days of the week. Is the scheduling flexible?

Yes. You will be able to post your availability each week using our online game officials management system.

What kind of equipment does an umpire wear?

Plate umpires wear hockey-style helmets, balloon-style chest protectors and shin guards. Umpires have the option of wearing chest protectors designed to wear under the shirt.

All umpire gear is stored in large “Umpire Use Only” equipment bags in the field boxes.

Will I get yelled at?

We have a zero-tolerance policy for poor treatment of anyone at a HRYB game, including umpires and scoreboard operators. Every HRYB player, parent/guardian, and coach signs the HRYB Code of Conduct that includes an agreement to treat game officials with respect (click HERE to access the HRYB Code of Conduct). If the Code of Conduct is violated, please let the Umpire Commissioner know immediately.

What is the pay rate?

We pay competitive rates based on umpiring skill rating level. Details will be given at pre-season training.

When do I get paid?

One check will be issued for each season and will typically arrive 2-3 weeks after the season concludes.

Questions?

Contact hrybumpires@gmail.com