Steps to Becoming an Umpire
To umpire with the Houston Chapter of TASO Baseball, the first step is to join TASO and sign up for the Houston Chapter Umpire School.
TASO State Dues:
Joining TASO is done online at www.TASO.org and costs $70 for the first year. The state dues include liability insurance and your background check.
Houston Chapter Dues:
The HTASO chapter dues are $25 per year and a one-time $35 scheduling escrow fee. Chapter dues can be paid here.
The $35 scheduling fee is held in escrow by the Houston Chapter and is returned to the member when the official leaves the Chapter if in good standing with the scheduler.
We believe strongly in providing our chapter with the highest quality education and instruction. Chapter orientation information along with the rules and mechanics will be taught by instructors with professional, college and high school experience.
New Umpire Training
The majority of the new umpire school will be devoted to hands-on-training, including both field and plate work. Plate mechanics will be evaluated and instruction will be given to improve the accuracy, consistency, and confidence of the strike zone.
There will also be classroom instruction focusing on a comprehensive orientation to the Houston TASO Chapter of High School Baseball Umpires.
Getting Started in Your Training
To attend our clinics, new members are required to go through Orientation. Afterward, participants must attend two (2), weekend sessions (Fri-Sun) to be eligible for game assignments. However, new participants are strongly encouraged to attend all three weekends. Following training, new umpires will be assigned games with veteran umpires through Mentor Program to continue your education in live games. We are committed to your education and provide multiple training opportunities throughout the New Umpire Training course. Below is the typical training commitment required to begin officiating with TASO Baseball-Houston Chapter.
Orientation
New members, members with a significant break in service, and new transfers must attend one of the many Orientation classes that are offered. Orientation lasts about two hours and covers needed information for you to be more successful in our chapter. Our Constitution, By-Laws and Policies & Procedures are a big part of this class and valuable documents as you begin officiating high school baseball. Additionally, you will meet a group of dedicated mentors that will help you navigate UIL, TASO, the Houston Chapter, and all their requirements during your initial years with our chapter. Classes may be held in a classroom setting or through a virtual event. Only one class is required to attend the New Umpire Clinic, although you are welcome attend multiple Orientation classes.
Clinics
New Umpire Clinics are held every January over the course of three weekends (Fri-Sun). New members must attend all six (6) days during Weeks 1 & 2 or Weeks 2 & 3 in order to graduate and be scheduled games. Second-year umpires are also encouraged to attend these classes. These three weekends are scheduled around the TASO-Baseball State Meeting, which is also a weekend event that is held every January. All members are strongly encouraged to attend the state meeting and admission is included in your TASO Membership dues. This gives a new umpire four weekends of invaluable training, opportunity, and instruction. You will also enjoy the camaraderie with other officials and a chance for new friendships.
A typical New Umpire Clinic is shown below.
| Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 |
|---|---|---|
|
Fri: 6:30pm – 9:00pm Classroom Learning |
Fri: 6:30pm – 9:00pm Classroom Learning |
Fri: 6:30pm – 9:00pm Classroom Learning |
|
Sat: 8:00am – 4:00pm Classroom, Cage and Field Work |
Sat: 8:00am – 4:00pm Classroom, Cage and Field Work |
Sat: 8:00am – 4:00pm Classroom, Cage and Field Work |
|
Sun: 8:00am – 4:00pm Cage and Field Work |
Sun: 8:00am – 4:00pm Cage and Field Work, Scrimmage |
Sun: 8:00am – 4:00pm Cage and Field Work, Scrimmage |
Uniform
Requirements
- Pants – Gray dress slacks (charcoal gray is preferred). A minimum of two pair are needed – one for the plate (plate-cut) and one for the bases (base or combo-cut).
- Shirts – light blue with black trim or black shirt with white trim. The default shirt is the black with white trim.
- Hats – black with the new “TASO star logo”
- Shoes – all black or black with white trim. Two pairs are needed – one for the plate and one for the bases. Plate shoes must have a safety toe (steel/plastic).
In addition to the above uniform requirements, the following equipment is also required:
- Shin Guards
- Chest Protector
- Face Mask
- Ball Bags
- Plate Brush
- Indicator
- Athletic Supporter & Cup (male officials only)
