1. Work as close to home as possible

2. Work tournaments, but don't kill yourself doing it

3. Be easy to work with

4. Have a great attitude

5. Be a great partner

6. Expand your menu

7. Attend an umpire camp

8. Invest in yourself so you look and feel good

9. Try different tournaments, schools, leagues

10. Don't wait until you're ready

BONUSES:

1. Don't work for too little

1. Join an association

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Extra stuff:

10 Ways To Make More Money as an umpire

1.

Work as close to home as possible

2.

Work tournaments, but don't kill yourself doing it

Choose the games that pay more

Choose the assigners that are great communicators

3.

Be easy to work with

Use their scheduling system

Take the games they give you

Take extra games if they need you to

Run games efficiently and professionally

Work for free, sometimes...

4.

Have a great attitude

Be grateful

Communicate well with the on-site supervisor

Express gratitude to your assignors and athletic directors and sometimes...coaches

5.

Be a great partner

Take the plate more if it's 3/2

Communicate well

Encourage

Ask questions

Talk through situations

Work with the same partners as much as you can

6.

Expand your menu

There's a LOT of softball to be done

Work in your local area

7.

Attend an umpire camp

You'll improve

You'll make great connections

8.

Invest in yourself so you look and feel good

Get the right equipment

Get certified

9.

Try different tournaments, schools, leagues

10.

Don't wait until you're ready

BONUS: Don't work for too little.

1. Maximizing Tournament Work (5 minutes):

• Strategies for getting assigned to tournaments with higher pay rates.

• Importance of networking with assigners and other umpires at tournament levels.

• How to handle multiple games in a day while maintaining quality performance.

2. Specializing to Boost Income (6 minutes):

• Benefits of specializing in certain leagues or age groups, such as high school varsity or travel ball.

• Certifications needed to officiate at higher-paying levels (e.g., NFHS or NCAA).

• How specialization builds credibility and demand.

3. Game Management Efficiency (4 minutes):

• Tips to speed up games without compromising fairness or quality.

• How game management skills can lead to more game opportunities.

• Avoiding penalties or protests that could harm your reputation.

4. Diversify Umpiring Roles (6 minutes):

• Exploring roles beyond baseball, like softball, to increase overall earnings.

• Training for related officiating roles (e.g., plate vs. base specialization).

• How to leverage skills across different sports for year-round income.

5. Off-Field Opportunities (7 minutes):

• Hosting umpire clinics or mentoring new umpires for additional pay.

• Writing or blogging about umpiring tips for supplemental income.

• Opportunities for selling umpire gear or partnering with local equipment suppliers.

6. Leveraging Social Media (5 minutes):

• Building a personal brand as an umpire on platforms like Instagram or YouTube.

• Offering paid consultations or reviews of umpire mechanics online.

• Networking through social media to find hidden opportunities.

7. Tackling Burnout for Sustainability (5 minutes):

• Importance of pacing yourself for longevity in the umpiring field.

• Strategies to stay motivated and professional during busy seasons.

• How sustainability in umpiring can lead to consistent earnings over time.