Umpiring

We welcome you to share our love of the sport of baseball with teaching and supervision from the New Zealand Baseball Umpire’s Association (NZBUA) Instructors, we can enhance your understanding of the game and in turn, your enjoyment of the sport.

Becoming an umpire requires the support of people who have travelled the same path you may be commencing and who know what you need to know for you to enjoy the role of umpiring from T Ball to the International level that some of our members have enjoyed.

This association is charged with the responsibility of administering the NZBUA Development Programme which is comprehensive for umpires starting with T-Ball and junior baseball all the way through to high performance senior games.

Umpiring baseball is an excellent way to stay involved in the greatest of games as well as earn some extra money. When you become an umpire there are many opportunities for you to progress to a higher level. The pathway for umpires is very similar to that of a player. You can start at your local club and progress your way through to the international level umpiring both tournaments and overseas competitions.

​​​​​​​Why become an Umpire? Here are 5 reasons

1. The challenge and enjoyment of umpiring an exciting baseball game from the ‘best seat in the house’.
2. The opportunities to umpire at club, regional, national and even the international level by progressing through the development pathway.
3. The camaraderie within the umpiring fraternity.
4. The chance to supplement your income whilst pursuing your hobby.
5. To play a key role in the future of the great sport of baseball.

Umpire Accreditation

Umpires obtain and maintain a National Accreditation, which can be obtained by completing an umpiring course during the year. Various levels of courses are conducted throughout the year by the New Zealand Baseball Umpires Association.

• Certified Community Umpire – Junior & Youth (16U & below) Club games only.
• Accredited Community Umpire – Administered by the NZBUA.
• Accredited Association Umpire – Administered by the NZBUA.
• National Umpire – Administered by the NZBUA.
• International Umpire – Administered by the NZBUA.

​​​​​​​Courses are run throughout the year, giving you the opportunity to gain accreditation and advance your skills step-by-step. To find out more, and discuss the range of NZBUA programmes for umpiring, please contact Warren van Rooyen (Director of Umpiring), at warren.vanrooyen@nzbua.org.nz.

Want to Join the Team?

Becoming an umpire is more than just making calls on the field – it’s about being part of the game, giving back to the sport, and helping baseball grow in New Zealand. With the support of the New Zealand Baseball Umpires Association (NZBUA), you’ll have everything you need to develop your skills and enjoy the journey, from local games to national and even international opportunities.

Ready to get started? NZBUA is offering two great opportunities to learn the game from a new perspective and gain certification. A two-hour intro course on the basic fundamentals of umpiring is being held online on October 9 from 7pm to 9pm and is open to all who wish to learn. For this course, you can register HERE.

NZBUA is also hosting its annual umpire school once again in Auckland over October 17-19. The school will run from Friday evening through Sunday and everyone is welcome. It will provide introductory instruction and certification to new and developing umpires across the region. If you are interested in attending the umpire school, you can register HERE.

Click the link below to fill in the Accreditation Form and begin your journey as an accredited umpire: NZBUA Accreditation Application Form 19_09_2023