The well-known scarcity of game officials is set to cause chaos in youth baseball and softball leagues this spring and summer. Many games are likely to be played with just one umpire, presenting a significant challenge. Steve Kurkowski, a 20-year veteran umpire in the Milwaukee area, sheds light on this issue. He explains that at the 8u and 10u levels, where certain rules are relaxed, it may be easier to handle a game alone. However, at 13 and 14U, with more complex plays and rules like pickoff attempts and balks, it becomes a difficult task.

Wisconsin Umpires Association: A Training Hub

Kurkowski is an integral part of the Wisconsin Umpires Association. He sits on the training staff and was even the former director. The association offers a comprehensive training program starting in January and getting participants ready for a full schedule of games by April. Classes are held on Wednesday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. at Whitnall Middle School in Greenfield, running from January 8 to March 26. This is the only such training program in Wisconsin and has the approval of the WIAA, which grants game credit to those who complete the training. Instructors include current Major League Baseball umpire Ben May and umps who have worked at different levels of the Little League World Series. 1: The training program is not limited to beginners. High-school kids can also get involved and benefit from it. Although beginners need to pay $195 for the class and more than $300 for umpiring gear, the potential to earn that money back quickly by working games is significant. Kurkowski himself typically works around 175 games in a spring/summer season. 2: The WUA doesn't directly assign umpires to games but has connections with those who do. In the Milwaukee area, there are three high-profile youth baseball leagues - the Wisconsin State Youth Baseball League, the Major Youth Baseball League, and the Wisconsin Baseball Association - with games at various age levels. There are also parks and rec leagues and softball opportunities throughout the region.

Opportunities for Umpires

1: After graduating in March and high-school ball starting in April, if an umpire wants to work high-school games, they can immediately get involved. Assignors are aware of new umpires and pair them with veteran umpires. In youth games, beginners can handle 8, 10, and 12U games alone right away. There are numerous opportunities available, such as the three leagues, rec leagues, Little League, and weekend tournaments everywhere. An umpire could potentially work 300 games this summer if they choose to. 2: Every week, a large number of emails come in requesting umpires. Once an umpire is on someone's email list, they are flooded with opportunities to work games. The WIAA also provides financial support by covering an umpire's $35 licensing fee for high-school students or veteran umpires getting licensed for the first time.For more information on the class, visit wuaumpires.org.