Become an Umpire

Why Become an EBSA Umpire?

EBSA is looking for reliable, confident umpires to work games during our spring season. You’ll receive game pay, training support, and the chance to give back to local athletes.

EBSA Umpire Expectations

Minimum age: 16 years old for EBSA games (high school and adults welcome).

We’re looking for umpires who:

Arrive on time and prepared for each assignment
Know (or are willing to learn) basic baseball/softball rules and mechanics
Can stay calm, confident, and professional under pressure
Treat players, coaches, and fans with respect at all times
Are comfortable making calls and sticking with them

You don’t have to be perfect — you just have to be fair, consistent, and willing to learn.

Paid Position Spring Season Training Provided

Pay & Spring Schedule

Paid per game: EBSA umpires are paid for each game they work. Rates vary by division and assignment (plate/base). Final pay rates will be shared before schedules are assigned.

Games primarily in the spring season
Weeknight and weekend opportunities
Flexible scheduling based on your availability

This is a great opportunity for responsible high school students, college students, and adults who want a part-time role on the field.

PONY Umpire Requirements & Registration

EBSA is sanctioned through PONY Baseball & Softball, and we follow PONY guidelines for umpires, safety, and background checks.

Official PONY Umpire Registration

PONY offers an official umpire registration program for men and women who want to umpire PONY Baseball and PONY Girls Softball games.

Age requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to register as an official PONY umpire (required due to background check).
Online registration only: Umpires register through the PONY Umpire Registration Portal.
Background check: PONY includes a national background check through its partner JDP as part of the registration process.
Annual registration fee: A modest fee (set by PONY) covers your rulebooks, ID card, and umpire emblem/patch for the season.
Benefits: Access to PONY rulebooks, official PONY umpire ID, umpire emblem, and eligibility for PONY tournament and World Series assignments.

EBSA strongly encourages (and may require for certain divisions) adult umpires to complete official PONY umpire registration.

Safety & Background Checks

All EBSA umpires must meet league and PONY safety standards, including background checks where applicable by age and law. Our goal is to provide a safe environment for every player on the field.

Helpful PONY Umpire Links

Ready to Umpire for EBSA?

If you’re interested in being part of our spring 2026 umpire crew, we’d love to hear from you. Tell us your age, experience level (if any), and general availability, and we’ll follow up with training and next steps.

Now Recruiting • Spring Umpires

How to Get Started

Email the EBSA board at [email protected] or send us a message on Facebook with the subject line “Umpire Interest.”

We’ll share pay details, training dates, and how to complete any required PONY registration and background checks.

Website Manager

Elgin Baseball & Softball Association