Rex Foster: Umpiring is ‘a great way to stay involved’ in baseball | News, Sports, Jobs

Local umpire Rex Foster looks on during a 2023 high school baseball game at Warren High School. (Photo by Kerry Patrick)

PARKERSBURG — With all this snow on the ground, no better time than to start thinking baseball and those interested in becoming an umpire for high schools in the Mid-Ohio Valley.

Rex Foster, director of officials and special projects for the WVSSAC, is on the recruiting trail to find individuals who have a desire to umpire games during the spring season for games in both Ohio and West Virginia.

“There may be individuals who have either played or coached, or just like the game of baseball,” said Foster, who has officiated football, basketball and baseball for more than 20 years. “We have these young adults going to college at WVU-P. Whoever it may be, it’s a great way to stay involved with the game.

“If you have the time and enjoy the sport and get involved with umpiring, like I’ve done you can make long-lasting friendships with other umpires. It creates good fellowship – make good friends throughout life. A lot of positives come out of being an official.”

The process to become an official begins with a course found on the RefReps.com website, which is used by high school organizations throughout the country – including West Virginia and Ohio.

The video lasts in the neighborhood of eight hours and can be watched at the person’s leisure.

According to their website, RefReps offers a digital platform that helps schools and organizations teach officiating – featuring standardized curriculum, interactive lessons and POV (Point of View) training videos.

“The course goes into detail – it’s a good program,” Foster said. “After taking the online course, there is an in-person training on the field stuff. Even if you don’t have any experience in the game or playing the game, we have some very good umpires who have not ever played baseball or any sport.

“(WVSSAC football rules clinician and NFHS Sub-Committee Chair) Larry McCloy is a prime example. He never played a down of football and now he is one of the premier officials in the state. Playing or coaching baseball is not a prerequisite. It can be learned. Some pick it up pretty quick.”

In regards to taking the online course and attending in-person training, Foster mentioned they are seeking individuals who will be committed to their craft.

“You have to work at it to learn the rules – it’s not easy, but it’s not hard either,” Foster said. “Part of the commitment is attending local meetings, and going to the state clinic every year to learn about all the rule changes.”

Prospective recruits can make their own schedules in terms of dictating as many or as few games they would umpire over the course of a season. Foster explained, no one is going to make a fortune as a high school umpire, but there is money to be made.

High school umpires earn $100 per game. At the middle level, umpires earn $80 per game.

“There is no obligation to work any certain number of games – you can make your own schedule,” Foster said. “If you want to work every night, some people do. We understand family obligations. Then there are some people who want to be assigned a game if we have an opening.”

For anyone interested in becoming a baseball umpire, contact Rex Foster at rex.foster@wvssac.org or by calling 304-834-0272. For those interested in umpiring softball, Foster can also direct individuals who to contact.

“Baseball and softball are great ways to stay in the game – you get to be an ambassador for the game by being an official,” Foster said.