Becoming an HAUA Umpire

Age: 
We prefer at least 15-years old, particularly to officiate games near or above the same age level. It should be noted that parties who play baseball in an organized league and are interested in beginning to umpire may experience schedule conflicts making it very difficult to excel in both areas. A full time playing schedule is apt to limit opportunities to acquire on-field training and experience during the regular season.

Physical Fitness:  
All sizes and shapes are welcome. A certain degree of athleticism is required to move quickly to proper position on all field sizes. In addition, please consider that we may call games in full equipment during triple digit temperatures. There is no fitness test, but interested parties will be made aware of the requirements for movement and endurance and may make their own choice.

Experience:
None is required, but knowledge of baseball from playing or coaching is beneficial.

Clearances:
Due to a changes to law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, HAUA will now require background checks on all current and new umpires.  Former Gov. Corbett signed in to law Act 153 of 2014 that amended the state Child Protective Services Law and the Public School Code to impose greater background check requirements on employees and volunteers having direct contact with children.

There are three clearances that are required by PA State Law.  Each can be accessed at the links below:

FBI clearance (ACT 114) – The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has changed the provider for this clearance. Follow these instructions to register for fingerprints: Visit https://uenroll.identogo.com/
When prompted for a Service Code, enter 1KG6XN
On the next screen, click “Schedule or Manage Appointment”
Fill out all the required information. As you fill out the required information, you will be asked to search for a place to have your fingerprints captured. The locations are not the same as the old Cogent sites.
You will choose a day and time, or just walk-in, to have your fingerprints captured. 
You will pay the fee of $23.85 when you arrive at the fingerprinting site. 
You will receive additional instructions on how to receive your results after completing the fingerprinting.

PA State Police clearance  (ACT 34) – https://epatch.pa.gov/home

Department of Human Services clearance (PA Child Abuse)  (ACT 151) – https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home**Once at this site, create an individual account**

**The PA State Police clearance and the Department of Human Services clearance can be printed and mailed to those depts.

Equipment:
We require that you display the HAUA emblem on uniform shirt/hat. We can assist in procuring protective equipment and accessories.

Training:
It is our mission to place trained officials at all assigned games. All umpires will be required to demonstrate competency on baseball rules. Beginning umpires will also receive instruction on Making Calls, Plate Mechanics, Positioning, and Game Management, applicable to 1-man, 2-man, and 3-man systems. Beginners will often initially be paired with trainers, primarily in non-competitive contests (preseason scrimmages, etc), to gain experience and confidence prior to working alone. Participation in the District 6 Little League certification course held during Feb-March is very strongly encouraged. The result of satisfactory completion of this no-cost training is certification to call any Little League sanctioned contest, as well as a solid foundation in baseball rules and umpiring acumen.

Timing:
The best time to start is during the winter months. Beginners may avail themselves of training opportunities to be prepared for the upcoming league and tournament seasons. HAUA’s organizational meetings are held in January. Preparation activities accelerate during the pre-season scrimmage time from late March through mid-April. Little Leagues begin play mid-to-late April and Teener ball begins in early May. Opportunities to call all age levels may be available through October, including the summer tournament schedule and Fall Ball.