FAQ

- What do I need to do to become an ECCUA Umpire?

You must be 16 years of age or older and an Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) registered umpire to become a member of ECCUA.

- How do I become OHSAA Registered?

The ECCUA conducts online class sessions each winter that prepare you for OHSAA exam(s). The 25-hour class is facilitated by OHSAA-certified instructors approved by the ECCUA. This required class is generally offered only once per year (if you miss sign-up, you must wait until the next year to sign up, which means not being able to umpire until the following season).

This online class will instruct you in rules, regulations and on-field positioning & signaling for umpires to prepare you for testing and registering with the Ohio High School Athletic Association. The ECCUA also conducts one or more on-field sessions during the preseason for "hands-on" instruction in positioning & signaling.

For more upcoming class information, see Umpire Classes page.

- What equipment and uniform will I need and where do I get it?

Beginner umpire equipment is required. This includes Face Mask, Inside Chest Protector and Leg Guards as minimal equipment required. Additional equipment items are optional such as steel toe plate shoes and more.  Start up cost for equipment is about $150. 

The Umpire Uniform is required by OHSAA to include Grey slacks, Blue shirt or jacket with OHSAA emblem, OHSAA cap, black shoes and socks. Initial uniform costs are about $100. 

Instructors will provide you information on where to order uniforms and equipment.

- What is the cost for the class?

$70 per sport payable during the online registration process. This fee covers course materials, technology fees, testing, and first-year permit fee.

New members who complete both classes (Baseball & Softball) and officiate in the sponsoring Eastern Cuyahoga County Umpires Association may be eligible for a refund of first-year licensing fees (ask your instructor for details).

- Are there any other costs to being a member?

OHSAA annual fee for officials is $60 for one sport, $30 for each additional sport (starting with 2nd season--1st season is included in class fees).

ECCUA annual dues of $50 starting with an umpire's 2nd season.

 - Where are our fields located?

Middle Schools and High Schools throughout Eastern Cuyahoga County during the spring season.

Late spring through Summer Leagues are at some of the same schools as well as city parks in Euclid, Mayfield Heights, South Euclid, Lyndhurst, Highland Heights, Beachwood, Gates Mills and elsewhere.

- What is the Length of the Season and When will I Work?

OHSAA Spring Baseball and Fast Pitch Softball games take place after school from late March through mid - May. Monday - Friday games normally have starting times of 4:30 p.m. Saturday games may also be scheduled.

Summer Ball begins in late April and continues through early August.  Start times range from 6:00 p.m. weekdays and 9:00 a.m. on weekends to 8:30 p.m. Sun.- Fri. for some summer softball.  

Fall Ball on Saturday and Sunday is scheduled from Labor Day through late October.  Game start times are usually mornings and early afternoons.

- How do I get Ball Game Assignments?

These will be awarded you by our Certified Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Assignor. He is compensated by schools for the spring High School season. For summer and fall ball assignments, individual umpires pay an assignor fee for games assigned. These fees may depend on type of game and level of play. 

- What kind of games will I work?

You will be certified to work Baseball and/or Fast Pitch Softball and will be asked to work both sports for which you are licensed. If you are 55 years old or older you may be excused from carrying an OHSAA baseball permit. 

- What kind of support can I expect once I've completed the class?

Our association has a Mentoring Program for first- and second-year umpires. This includes being paired with a veteran umpire member whom you will observe and who will also observe you. You will have contact information for the mentor to allow you to ask questions and discuss recent games and specific plays & situations during the games. We work hard so you will not feel 'thrown to the wolves' your first year. This program helps you get assistance to help build your confidence as an umpire on the ball field.