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May 19, 2025
Becoming a baseball umpire in Minneapolis is a great way to stay involved in the game and earn extra income. Minneapolis has many youth leagues, high schools, and community programs, so there are plenty of games to officiate. Follow these steps to get started as a baseball umpire in the Twin Cities area:
First, make sure you meet basic eligibility. In Minnesota, you generally must be at least 16 or 17 years old to umpire youth and some rec games. For high school games, the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) typically requires you to be 18 or a high school graduate. You should be physically fit, able to run the bases and crouch behind home plate. Also, be prepared to pass a background check or meet any screening requirements set by local leagues or schools.
Once you meet the age requirement, register with the proper baseball officials programs. In Minnesota, high school officials sign up through the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) officiating program (visit mshsl.org). Register online, select baseball, and pay any necessary fees to become a certified official. For youth baseball, check with Minnesota Youth Athletic Services (MYAS) or local organizations. Minneapolis Park & Recreation leagues and local travel leagues also recruit umpires, so inquire at your city parks department or local travel associations.
After registering, complete required training. Many Minnesota associations have online training courses and rule exams. For example, take the NFHS Baseball Rules exam through an online portal (the same NFHS test often applies in Minnesota). In addition, look for in-person clinics or training offered by local officials groups. Regional umpire clinics teach mechanics and positioning. These classes can be offered through local umpire associations or MYAS. Attending a field clinic is highly recommended since it gives you hands-on practice and instruction.
To officiate high school games, you will need to pass a written exam. The NFHS exam on baseball rules is the standard test in most of Minnesota. Study the NFHS rulebook thoroughly and take the open-book exam. You must reach the passing score to earn your certification card for the season. Keep a copy of your exam results; they will list you as an eligible official in Minnesota.
Before taking the field, equip yourself with the proper umpire gear. Key items include:
Purchasing quality gear will protect you and make you look professional. You can start with second-hand gear from an officials association to save money, then upgrade as you work more games.
With certification and gear ready, it’s time to find games to work. Minneapolis offers many umpiring opportunities from youth leagues to high school contests. Contact local umpires’ associations or leagues and let them know you are available. Blue North Umpires is an example of a Minneapolis-area officiating organization that connects new umpires with local games. They handle scheduling for Minneapolis and metro leagues. Reach out to Blue North Umpires (or your local assignor) to be added to their umpire pool. Attend games regularly and build relationships with crew members to get more assignments.
As you umpire more games, you’ll gain confidence and skills. With experience, you can move up to higher levels of play. In the Minneapolis area, this might include:
Keep learning by attending new umpire clinics each year and by asking veteran umpires for feedback. Being proactive (keeping track of schedules, volunteering, and networking with other officials) will help you advance.
Becoming a baseball umpire in Minneapolis is a rewarding pursuit that allows you to stay in the game and grow personally. If you're eager to begin, Blue North Umpires is ready to help new officials. They offer guidance, training resources, and game assignments in the Minneapolis area. Contact Blue North Umpires or a local baseball officials association to learn how to join and start umpiring. Grab your gear and step onto the field – your first game awaits!
