Page Search
Updated for 2024 Season on 02/06/2024
GENERAL APPLICATION INFORMATION
If you are 13 years old or will turn 13 by August 31st, 2024, you are eligible to umpire for BGRA Baseball. All Non-Patched Umpires will be required to fill out the online application and attend ONE training session posted bellow on this page. If this is your first year as an umpire, you will likely be officiating in the FARM division.
If you have umpired previously, you WILL need to complete an application form for the current 2024 season. Additionally, please log back into Assignr and update any account information, such as address and phone numbers. Make sure to populate your availability in the Assignr system starting in April. If your Assignr account is not active, you may need to email us at umpires@bgrabaseball.org.
PLEASE complete your application as soon as possible so we can register you for the 2024 season! All applications will need to be submitted prior to the April 4th training class.
WORK PERMIT (under 16)
Work permits are no longer required in the State of Illinois by the ISBE for umpiring. This exception is for umpiring & caddying ONLY. You do not need a work permit to be a BGRA Umpire.
You can find more information about work permits from the Illinois State Board of Education directly.
UMPIRE TRAINING
Umpires are required to attend at least one of the following training dates. Umpires 18 years of age that are officially "patched" are not required to attend training.
Umpire Training will be held at the Alcott Center (530 Bernard Dr, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089) on the following dates and times:
BGRA will require all Umpires 18 years and older to be patched with their own uniforms and equipment. To become a licensed official go to the IHSA website. You will be required to pass an exam each year, watch the required video, and attend a clinic every 3 years (it is strongly encouraged you attend the clinic every year). Candidates must be at least 17 years old. You must be patched with all requirements prior to the start of the BGRA season.
*Please note that becoming a Patched Umpire is not a guarantee of hire.
Frequently Asked Questions can also be found on the IHSA website.
UMPIRE SCHEDULING
Umpires are required to create and maintain their profile within BGRA's Assignr Scheduling system. Your availability must be listed for 2 weeks out to ensure we can assign games ahead of schedule.
Use the following Assignr Link to log into the system and enter your availability.
Returning umpires should have received a notification from Assignr to update your profile online. If you need help accessing your Assignr account please contact us at umpires@bgrabaseball.org. New umpires will receive your log-in credentials for the assignment-scheduling system emailed to the email address provided on the umpire application form. (After training is completed)
UMPIRE PAYROLL
Payroll will be mailed via USPS to the address contained within your Assignr profile this year. Payroll checks are issued once per month by the 10th. Please ensure all contact information is up-to date when logging into your account to enter your availability.
You will be notified and provided with your umpire coordinator contact information. This will be your point of contact for scheduling / pay / equipment / issues etc
If you have any questions, please email umpires@bgrabaseball.org.
Pay Dates: 10th of each Month
UMPIRE UNIFORM AND DRESS CODE
Umpires are required to have appropriate uniforms for all games. Upon acceptance and completing the umpire training you will be equipped with your initial uniform at NO COST. This includes a BGRA Umpire Shirt, Hat, and Clicker/Brush kit.
If you need additional gear you may purchase these items as follows:
BGRA Umpire Shirt: $10.00
BGRA Umpire Hat: $10.00
Clicker & Brush: $20.00
Other umpire necessities including mask, leg and chest protector are provided and located at the fields. Umpires must wear dark blue or black pants to the games. Shorts are NOT permitted. We recommend wearing cleats if you have them or any other shoes that you do not mind getting muddy. In cold weather a sweatshirt may be worn, with the umpire shirt over it.
UMPIRES MUST STAY HYDRATED. PLEASE BRING WATER BOTTLE TO ALL GAMES