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Local umpire Rex Foster looks on during a 2023 high school baseball game at Warren High School. (Photo by Kerry Patrick)<\/p>\n
PARKERSBURG \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere may be individuals who have either played or coached, or just like the game of baseball,\u201d said Foster, who has officiated football, basketball and baseball for more than 20 years. \u201cWe have these young adults going to college at WVU-P. Whoever it may be, it\u2019s a great way to stay involved with the game.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you have the time and enjoy the sport and get involved with umpiring, like I\u2019ve done you can make long-lasting friendships with other umpires. It creates good fellowship \u2013 make good friends throughout life. A lot of positives come out of being an official.\u201d<\/p>\n
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 \u2013 including West Virginia and Ohio. <\/p>\n
The video lasts in the neighborhood of eight hours and can be watched at the person\u2019s leisure.<\/p>\n
According to their website, RefReps offers a digital platform that helps schools and organizations teach officiating \u2013 featuring standardized curriculum, interactive lessons and POV (Point of View) training videos.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe course goes into detail \u2013 it\u2019s a good program,\u201d Foster said. \u201cAfter taking the online course, there is an in-person training on the field stuff. Even if you don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
\u201c(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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have to work at it to learn the rules \u2013 it\u2019s not easy, but it\u2019s not hard either,\u201d Foster said. \u201cPart of the commitment is attending local meetings, and going to the state clinic every year to learn about all the rule changes.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
High school umpires earn $100 per game. At the middle level, umpires earn $80 per game.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no obligation to work any certain number of games \u2013 you can make your own schedule,\u201d Foster said. \u201cIf 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cBaseball and softball are great ways to stay in the game \u2013 you get to be an ambassador for the game by being an official,\u201d Foster said.<\/p>\n