The process to become an umpire is different for each organization, state, and sometimes even city. It’s important to remember that you should only work games for an organization for which you are licensed. Otherwise, you run the risk of not being covered by the organization’s insurance.
Below are steps to take for some specific organizations. If your organization is not listed, contact Central Illinois Softball Assigning for additional information.
The Illinois High School Association licenses officials to work high school and junior/middle school (IESA) games. The IESA uses IHSA-licensed officials to work its games, therefore you only have to register with the IHSA.
Visit the IHSA licensing center to register to become an official
- Complete and pass an annual rules test, concussion test, and attend a rules meeting or clinic.
- Contact the assignor(s) in your area to get on their list of officials for games. IHSA/IESA assignors and their contact information is available on the Assignors page.
The United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) is one of many organizations that governs summer travel softball.
- Visit the USSSA website to register as a licensed umpire.
- Contact the assignor(s) in your area to get on their list of officials for games. Assignor names and contact information is available on the Assignors page.
USA Softball is one of many organizations that governs summer travel softball and many recreational leagues.
- Attend a local rules meeting. At that meeting you will pay your annual dues to be registered as a USA softball umpire.
- Contact the assignor(s) in your area to get on their list of officials for games. Assignor names and contact information is available on the Assignors page.
Premier Girls Fastpitch (PGF) is one of many organizations that governs summer travel softball.
- Visit the PGF website to register as a PGF-licensed umpire.
- Contact the assignor(s) in your area to get on their list of officials for games. Assignor names and contact information is available on the Assignors page.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) governs softball rules for Division I, II, and III universities as well as for the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association (NJCAA). There are hundreds of collegiate assignors across the country, each with his or her individual requirements to work games.
- To work post-season games, you must be registered with the NCAA. Visit the NCAA Softball website for information and to register to umpire NCAA and NJCAA contests.
- Contact the assignor(s) in your area to get on their list of officials for games. Local NCAA and NJCAA assignor names and contact information are available on the Assignors page.