Umpire Resume examples & templates

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Copyable Umpire Resume examples

Like air traffic controllers who manage the complex flow of aircraft, umpires orchestrate the ebb and flow of athletic competitions—though with considerably more public scrutiny and considerably less air conditioning. Beyond simply enforcing rules, umpires serve as the living embodiment of fairness in a world where split-second decisions can determine championships and careers. The profession has evolved dramatically in recent years, with the MLB's implementation of replay review systems reducing certain call errors by approximately 76% since 2014, while simultaneously creating new pressures and expectations from players, coaches, and increasingly vocal fans.

What hasn't changed is the fundamental requirement for exceptional judgment under pressure. From Little League fields to major league stadiums, roughly 350,000 umpires work across America's baseball diamonds alone—each developing that distinctive combination of decisiveness, thick skin, and perfect positioning that defines the role. As sports continue embracing technological assistance for officiating, tomorrow's umpires will navigate a fascinating balance between human judgment and digital precision, potentially redefining this centuries-old profession while preserving its essential human element.

Junior Umpire Resume Example

Marcus Jenkins

Chicago, IL | (312) 555-8742 | mjenkins.umpire@gmail.com | linkedin.com/in/marcus-jenkins

Baseball umpire with nearly 2 years of experience officiating youth, high school, and recreational league games. NFHS and IHSA certified with strong knowledge of game mechanics and rules interpretation. Known for maintaining game flow and making consistent, accurate calls while handling conflict with composure. Looking to advance to collegiate-level officiating while continuing to develop professional skills.

EXPERIENCE

Little League District 12 Umpire – Chicago Youth Baseball Association, Chicago, IL (March 2023 – Present)

  • Officiate 6-8 weekly games for 9-12 age divisions, including regular season, playoffs, and all-star tournaments
  • Maintain consistent strike zone and apply rules correctly, receiving 92% positive feedback in parent surveys
  • Manage game pace effectively, reducing average game times by 13 minutes compared to district average
  • Communicate clearly with coaches and players to defuse potential conflicts before they escalate

High School Baseball Umpire – Illinois High School Association, Northern Region (August 2022 – Present)

  • Officiate freshman, JV, and varsity-level high school baseball games (73 games in 2023 season)
  • Rotate between base and plate assignments, maintaining proper positioning and mechanics
  • Selected to work 4 regional playoff games after first full season based on performance evaluations
  • Participate in weekly rules study groups and attend monthly association meetings

Recreational League Umpire – North Side Adult Baseball League, Chicago, IL (May 2022 – September 2022)

  • Served as base and plate umpire for adult recreational league games (18+ division)
  • Managed difficult player situations with professionalism and appropriate rule enforcement
  • Studied rulebooks between games to improve knowledge and rule application

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION

Bachelor of Science in Physical Education – Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL (Graduated May 2022)

  • Minor in Sports Management
  • Varsity Baseball Team, 2018-2021

Certifications:

  • National Federation of High School Associations (NFHS) Baseball Umpire Certification (2022)
  • Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Certified Umpire (2022)
  • USA Baseball Umpire Certification – Level 2 (2023)
  • First Aid/CPR/AED Certified (American Red Cross, current)

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring – 5-Day Winter Clinic (January 2023)

  • Intensive training in professional mechanics, positioning, and game management
  • Received evaluation score of 87/100, with noted strengths in plate mechanics and strike zone consistency

SKILLS

  • Rules Knowledge (MLB, NFHS, Little League)
  • Plate & Base Mechanics
  • Conflict Management
  • Voice Projection & Clear Signals
  • Game Flow Management
  • Partner Communication
  • Professional Appearance & Conduct
  • Weather Safety Protocols
  • Basic Field Maintenance
  • Game Reporting Procedures

AVAILABILITY

Available weekday evenings and weekends year-round. Full availability during summer months (June-August).

Mid-level Umpire Resume Example

MICHAEL “MIKE” THOMPSON

Philadelphia, PA | (215) 555-8917 | mikethompson.umpire@email.com | linkedin.com/in/mikethompson-umpire

Professional Baseball Umpire with 5+ years of experience across multiple levels of competition. Known for fair judgment, exceptional game management, and maintaining composure in

high-pressure situations. Combines strong rules knowledge with effective communication skills to manage conflicts and ensure game integrity.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Minor League Baseball Umpire – Class AA
Eastern League (MiLB) | April 2022 – Present

  • Officiate 120+ games per season at the Double-A level with 97.4% accuracy rate on ball/strike calls as measured by internal evaluations
  • Serve as crew chief for 35% of assigned games, responsible for coordinating umpire team and managing official game reports
  • Handle high-visibility playoff assignments (6 games in 2023) due to consistent performance reviews
  • Reduced ejection rate by 18% through improved conflict management skills while maintaining game control

Minor League Baseball Umpire – Class A
South Atlantic League (MiLB) | April 2020 – October 2021

  • Promoted from Low-A to High-A after first season based on superior field positioning and judgment
  • Officiated 210 regular season games over two seasons with diverse responsibilities across all field positions
  • Selected for All-Star Game assignment in second season (July 2021)
  • Maintained game pace within MLB-targeted time parameters, averaging 2:42 game time

Professional Umpire – Rookie Ball
Gulf Coast League | June 2019 – September 2019

  • Completed first professional season after graduating from umpire school, working 58 games
  • Demonstrated strong rule knowledge and application, particularly in unusual game situations
  • Received “Exceeds Expectations” rating in 4 of 6 evaluation categories

College/Amateur Umpire
Various Organizations | 2017 – 2019

  • Officiated NCAA Division II and III baseball contests across Pennsylvania and New Jersey
  • Worked high school championships and regional amateur tournaments (75+ games annually)
  • Built reputation for exceptional game management and player/coach communication

EDUCATION & TRAINING

The Wendelstedt Umpire School – Professional Umpire Training Program, 2019
Graduated in top 15% of class | Selected for Professional Baseball Employment Opportunity

Temple University – Bachelor of Science in Sport Management, 2017
Minor in Communication Studies

Continuing Education:

  • MLB Winter Meetings Umpire Clinic (2022, 2023)
  • Advanced Rules Interpretation Seminar – MiLB (2021)
  • Spring Training Umpire Camp – Clearwater, FL (2020, 2022)

SKILLS

  • Rule Book Mastery (MLB/MiLB)
  • Replay Review Procedures
  • Proper Mechanics & Positioning
  • Conflict Management
  • Game Situation Management
  • Clear Hand Signaling
  • Voice Control & Projection
  • Crew Communication
  • Bench/Dugout Management
  • Professional Report Writing
  • Physical Conditioning & Stamina

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Available for off-season assignments including international tournaments and instructional leagues. Passport current and valid. Physical fitness program maintained year-round. Clean driving record with ability to travel extensively throughout season.

Senior / Experienced Umpire Resume Example

DAVID MITCHELL

Oakland, CA | (510) 555-7842 | dmitchell.umpire@gmail.com | linkedin.com/in/davidmitchell-umpire

Professional Umpire with 12+ years of experience officiating baseball games at collegiate, minor league, and professional levels. Known for exceptional game management, rules knowledge, and ability to maintain composure in high-pressure situations. Committed to fair play and sportsmanship while protecting the integrity of baseball.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Triple-A Pacific Coast League Umpire | Minor League Baseball | January 2019 – Present

  • Officiate 142+ games per season at the highest minor league level, serving as crew chief in 37% of assigned games
  • Selected to work 3 Pacific Coast League championship series (2019, 2021, 2023) based on consistent performance ratings
  • Managed 4 ejections during 2023 season with zero formal complaints filed by managers or players
  • Evaluated weekly by MiLB supervisors, maintaining 94.3% accuracy rating on ball/strike calls using Trackman data
  • Participated in MLB Spring Training games (2022-2024) as fill-in umpire, receiving consideration for future MLB opportunities

Double-A Eastern League Umpire | Minor League Baseball | March 2015 – December 2018

  • Promoted from Single-A after just 2.5 seasons due to exceptional game management and rules knowledge
  • Handled 112 games per season across 12 team venues while traveling approximately 25,000 miles annually
  • Served as mentor to 7 rookie umpires, providing guidance on positioning, game flow, and conflict resolution
  • Selected to officiate the 2017 Eastern League All-Star Game and 2018 Championship Series

Single-A South Atlantic League Umpire | Minor League Baseball | May 2012 – March 2015

  • Worked 2-man crews for 140+ game seasons, developing skills in all field positions
  • Completed rigorous evaluations and received promotion recommendation after demonstrating consistent judgment and rules application
  • Managed difficult weather conditions and maintained game pace targets within MLB’s pace-of-play initiatives
  • Implemented new replay review procedures during 2014 experimental implementation, achieving 91% accuracy on reviewed calls

NCAA Division I Baseball Umpire | West Coast Conference | February 2010 – April 2012

  • Officiated 65+ collegiate games per season while completing undergraduate studies
  • Selected for 2 conference tournament assignments based on performance evaluations
  • Developed foundation in game management, positioning, and rules interpretation

EDUCATION & TRAINING

The Wendelstedt Umpire School | Professional Umpire Training | 2010

Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring | Advanced Certification | 2012

Bachelor of Science, Sports Management | San Francisco State University | 2011

Minor League Baseball Umpire Development Program | Ongoing Professional Development

CERTIFICATIONS

Professional Baseball Umpire Corp (PBUC) Certified

NCAA Baseball Umpire Certification

First Aid/CPR/AED Certified (renewed annually)

SKILLS

  • Rules Interpretation & Application
  • Conflict Management & De-escalation
  • Positioning & Mechanics
  • Instant Replay Procedures
  • Game Pace Management
  • Crew Coordination
  • Voice & Signal Mechanics
  • Physical Conditioning
  • Situation Management
  • Mental Toughness

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Fluent in Spanish – valuable for player communication across diverse teams

Volunteer umpire instructor for local youth baseball organizations (off-season)

Member, Association of Minor League Umpires (AMLU)

How to Write an Umpire Resume

Introduction

When you're looking to land an umpire position, your resume is that critical first pitch. Just like a well-called game, a great umpire resume shows your judgment, attention to detail, and ability to perform under pressure. I've helped dozens of umpires at various levels craft resumes that actually get callbacks - from Little League rookies to folks aiming for the big leagues. Remember, you need to convince hiring managers you can make the right calls before they ever see you in action.

The best umpire resumes demonstrate your game knowledge, decision-making abilities, and professionalism - without embellishment. Tournament directors and league coordinators can spot exaggeration from a mile away.

Resume Structure and Format

Keep your umpire resume clean and professional - much like the crisp appearance you maintain on the field. Aim for 1-2 pages depending on your experience level. Baseball is a game of traditions, and similarly, your resume should follow traditional formatting:

  • Use a clean, professional font (Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman work well)
  • Maintain consistent 1-inch margins
  • Include clear section headers to guide the reader's eye
  • Use bullet points rather than dense paragraphs
  • Save as a PDF to preserve formatting (unless specifically asked for a different format)

Profile/Summary Section

Your professional summary should be 3-4 sentences highlighting your umpiring level, years of experience, and key strengths. This is your "strike zone" - make it clear and consistent.

For example: "Little League Certified Umpire with 6 years of experience officiating youth baseball games through high school level. Known for fair calls, excellent game management, and ability to defuse tense situations. Successfully officiated 47 tournament games last season, including 3 championship finals."

Professional Experience

List your umpiring experience chronologically, starting with most recent. Include:

  • League/organization name and location
  • Your position title and dates worked
  • Game levels you've officiated (age groups, divisions, etc.)
  • Number of games per season (actual numbers, not estimates)
  • Special assignments like playoffs, championships, or tournaments
  • Any leadership roles (crew chief, mentor to junior umpires)

For each role, include 3-5 bullet points highlighting your specific responsibilities and accomplishments. Don't just say what you did - show how well you did it!

Bad example: "Called balls and strikes at high school games."
Good example: "Maintained consistent strike zone across 72 varsity baseball games, receiving 94% positive evaluation score from league supervisors."

Education and Certifications

Umpiring is all about credentials and training. Be sure to include:

  • Formal umpire training programs completed (with dates)
  • Current certifications (USA Baseball, Little League, NCAA, etc.)
  • Relevant continuing education or clinics attended
  • Educational background (high school, college degrees)
  • Sport-specific knowledge or playing experience

Keywords and ATS Tips

Many larger organizations use Applicant Tracking Systems to filter resumes. Include these key terms naturally throughout your resume:

  • Rule interpretation
  • Game management
  • Conflict resolution
  • Mechanics
  • Positioning
  • Plate/field umpire
  • Tournament experience
  • Ejection management
  • Crew coordination

Industry-specific Terms

Demonstrate your knowledge by correctly using terminology. Include terms like "mechanics," "plate coverage," "timing," "crew chief," "rotations," and "signals." Don't overdo it, but show you speak the language of umpiring.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Exaggerating your experience level or certification status
  • Including controversial game situations or disputes
  • Using general sports terms instead of umpire-specific language
  • Focusing on your playing career more than your umpiring experience
  • Forgetting to list physical abilities (many leagues require umpires to pass fitness tests)
  • Neglecting to update your certification dates

Quick Before/After Example

Before: "Worked as baseball umpire calling games."

After: "Little League-certified plate umpire for 13U division, managing 35+ games per season with 98% schedule reliability. Recognized by district administrator for exceptional rule knowledge and calm handling of coach disputes during regional tournament play."

Remember, your resume should reflect the qualities that make a great umpire - attention to detail, decisiveness, and professionalism. Just like on the field, there's no room for mistakes!

Soft skills for your Umpire resume

  • Decisive judgment under pressure – able to make split-second calls while maintaining composure when both teams are watching intensely
  • Conflict resolution – defusing heated disagreements with coaches without escalating tensions (saved a championship game from forfeit when managers nearly came to blows)
  • Non-verbal communication – using clear, authoritative gestures that leave no room for misinterpretation across noisy playing fields
  • Thick skin – maintaining professional demeanor despite criticism from players, coaches and spectators
  • Situational awareness – tracking multiple moving elements simultaneously while anticipating potential rule infractions
  • Adaptability – seamlessly adjusting to different league rules and field conditions (Little League to college-level officiating)

Hard skills for your Umpire resume

  • Rule Application & Interpretation (NCAA/MLB/NFHS variations)
  • Umpire Mechanics (2, 3, and 4-person crews)
  • Strike Zone Management using PitchTrax indicators
  • Instant Replay Protocol (MLB Rule 7.10 guidelines)
  • Arbiter Sports scheduling platform proficiency
  • Game Situation Management (weather delays, field conditions)
  • Digital Report Filing via UmpirePro software
  • Conflict De-escalation Techniques
  • Accurate Ball/Strike Calling (93% accuracy rating)