Santa Clara Valley

Federation of Umpires

 
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request for federation of umpire services

By submitting this form you are requesting the Santa Clara Valley Federation of Umpires (known as the "Federation" or "Federation of Umpires") to provide your organization with umpires for your games.

Please complete the request form below

Download the TERMS of the CONTRACT (available 1/29/24)

A fee schedule will be sent to you after we receive your request. Questions about the Fee Schedule or Terms of the contract should be directed to president@federationofumpires.org

There are really two great things about being an umpire: great seats to every game, and camaraderie among peers.  Baseball is a great game requiring much skill.  As an umpire you get to be the closest non-participant on the field.  And you certainly have better views of the action than the rest of the fans! In addition, like in law enforcement, you develop a sense of camaraderie with other umpires as you are a separate “team” on the field.  Umpiring has kept me active and involved with the community at large, and I get to keep enjoying the game with friends.
— Bob Froese, Retired SJPD, 2010, started umpiring in 1991
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For me, the obvious is the multi-tasking training I’ve had and use as a carry over to umpiring.

In particular, as a 2 man crew we have to the same job as a 4 man crew and get it right.  This training helps me stay focused on every pitch and in particular, be calm and confident.  In dispatching, we had to be prepared for anything, anytime so I could never be surprised by any 911 call I took or any sudden radio call in an emergency situation.  This helps slow everything down for me and be prepared for anything including a mistake by a player that almost always put us umpires in difficult situations to make a call.
— Dan Hendrix, Retired Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1, 2009. Started umpiring in 1998
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As a current or former law enforcement officer, officiating sports is a rewarding extension of your good work. Serving our Community is a great honor. When I left federal law enforcement after 28 years, I wanted to continue my service to the community. Fortunately, my pension (like many other law enforcement agency pensions) gave me the opportunity to volunteer and hone my skills in other areas of interest. I chose high school sports (baseball, football, and wrestling). For many of us that have chosen a career in law enforcement, retirement comes early. Often, (retirement comes) when we are still physically fit and continue to have a desire to serve.  And, like anything we do, we want to do it well and at the best of our ability. For me, officiating sports continues to be a perfect fit. So, when the time comes for you to turn in the Penal Code and citation booklet, I encourage you to pick up an officials manual. Officials are needed and you know with your skills and commitment to excellence that you would make a great one.
— Matthew Van Dyke, Retired Homeland Security Investigations, 2014, started umpiring in 2000
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We're inspired to umpire like the pros, and many of us work our games as if we're auditioning for a coveted spot.

We're inspired to umpire like the pros, and many of us work our games as if we're auditioning for a coveted spot.

Inspiration

Every Federation umpire has their story about how they got interested in umpiring. Many of them started on the Little League or PONY fields as coaches, or players. They remember the competition and the camaraderie between teammates and it brings a smile to their faces. 

One day they find themselves saying, "I think I can do that!–I can make that call!" They find themselves on the same PONY and Little League fields, and they stand behind the plate and point–play ball! By then they're hooked.

Now they watch MLB games and focus on the umpires as they move around the field and gain angle over distance. They mimic their 'out' calls and practice their 'strike' calls. Every Federation umpire has their story and each one is unique. They all have one thing in common–they want to be the best umpire on the field. They want the game to be played fairly; with respect and professionalism.

 
Federation Board members, Ed Costa (top) and Jim McAuley (bottom), SCVFU Umpire Clinic, January 2016.

Federation Board members, Ed Costa (top) and Jim McAuley (bottom), SCVFU Umpire Clinic, January 2016.

Welcome federation umpires

Here's where you'll find information about the upcoming season; new baseball rules; board member news; umpire training and evaluations.

The Federation of Umpires is dedicated to offering umpires the best opportunities to work baseball games in the Bay Area. These games are non-high school season games played in late spring and summer. Our games allow you to start your career as an umpire and help you reach your goals. Whether you'd like to work in the Major Leagues or just work a CCS championship game, we have the people to help you get there.


 
Santa Clara Valley Federation of Umpires, new logo © 2015

Santa Clara Valley Federation of Umpires, new logo © 2015