The following standards must be met by umpires working National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) baseball games assigned by Units affiliated with California Baseball Umpires Association (CBUA).
Individual Units within the CBUA may specify more stringent standards, but are NOT authorized to relax or change any standard without prior written approval. Such approval must be requested through the CBUA President, and received from the CBUA Secretary. The request and approval may be made via e-mail.
One key to being a successful umpire is to first look like an umpire. A pleasing personal appearance is invaluable to an umpire. A poorly dressed umpire suffers a loss of credibility the moment he/she walks on the field.
Your uniform should always be cleaned and pressed. The cap of the plate umpire may be either a short or medium bill cap with the cap of the base umpire having a longer bill. For a more professional appearance, it is required that umpires wear fitted rather than adjustable, caps.
The plate umpire needs to have, and use:
- Plate shoes
- Ball and strike indicator
- Plate brush
- Protective cup
- Chest protector
- Leg guards
- Face Mask in either the traditional or hockey style, preferably with an extension or throat protector.
- A watch should only be brought on the field for game management purposes (e.g., time limits for tournament and non-varsity games), have it in your pocket; do not wear it (for obvious reasons). Mobile phones are not an acceptable time keeping device for game management purposes.
