How to become a Softball Umpire with the Margarita Officials Association (MOA)

1. Submit completed application (Membership Application) along with:

   1. Membership fee

      1. Early bird registration fee is $125 before 12/31 each year​

      2. Regular registration fee is $150 after 12/31 each year

      3. Registration fee for only summer ball $75

   2. Completed IRS Form W-9

   3. Proof of Sports Liability Insurance

   (USA Softball, NASO, or other)

2. Proof of USA Softball Registration (USAS Registration Page)

3. (Member Number, Registration card or confirmation from District UIC)

1. Independent Contractor’s Agreement [Link to Form]

2. Set up Arbiter and ArbiterPay accounts at www.arbitersports.com [Contact treasurer if problems]

3. Acquire MOA approved uniform and equipment

       See https://www.moaumpires.org/equipment-and-uniforms/

1. Satisfactorily complete evaluation game(s) as assigned

2. Attend USAS SoCal Rules/Mechanics Clinic (Annually in January)

Q: How much does the equipment and uniforms cost?

A: You should estimate that one complete uniform (shirt, hat, pants, base shoes, ball bag, indicator, brush) will cost you approximately $100 – $150.

For Fast Pitch, you will also need to invest an additional $250-$300 in protective equipment including mask, chest protector, shin guards, plate shoes, plate pants. (Used equipment is often available via online sources (i.e., CraigsList, eBay, etc) if you need to manage expenses until you get established.)

Good protective equipment is an important investment that will last for several years.

You will find that you recover this investment within the first few weeks of working games.

Q: Why do I need insurance?

A: You should carry both personal medical and personal liability insurance.

The medical insurance should cover any injuries you may sustain while working.

Liability insurance protects you, and your assets, in situations where you are named in a legal action.

There is an excellent explanation of the liability insurance issue on both the USA Softball and NASO websites.

MOA requires members to carry a minimum $1M liability coverage.

Q: What is the time commitment involved?

A: Slow Pitch games. usually 2 or 3 games per evening, are typically played between 6 and 10pm. Games last 50-75 minutes.

High School games are played in the late afternoon, evenings or weekends. Weekday games usually start around 3:30, and are completed in about 2 hours.

Travel and Tournament Fast Pitch games are played evenings and weekends. Tournaments typically run Friday evening, all day Saturday and Sunday.

Q: I don’t have any experience. How do I get started?

A: First, have a conversation with our recruiter, who can get an idea of your knowledge of the game. You’ll be mentored, offered various training clinics throughout the year, and given the tools you need to be successful.

Q: I have more questions. Who can I talk to?

A: Send an email to Recruiter@MOAUmpires.org. Someone will get back to you within a few days to answer your questions and get you on the road to having a lot of fun and making a few bucks at the same time.

Q: How much does it cost to join?

MOA annual dues are currently $100. You will also need to provide proof of sporting insurance, This varies depending on the carrier that you select from $16/year for scorekeepers to $103/year for full coverage

Q: I have several years experience, Will that experience count?

The MOA assigns games based upon performance and not years of service (seniority). New umpires generally start out calling Freshman/JV games and advance to higher levels based upon their performance. If you have prior experience at higher levels (college, etc.) or are transferring from another organization, the board may approve a schedule of higher level games based upon that experience. The bottom line is that your experience may have some bearing on your assignments, but it really depends on your performance as a umpire.

Q: How much can I earn umpiring softball?

A: Game fees can vary, based on the level of play, but the basic game fees are:

Slow Pitch (2-3 games per evening)

• Umpire: $30-40/game

Fast Pitch: (2 Umpires/game)

• High School Varsity: $77/game per umpire

• High School JV/Freshman: $64/game per umpire
  Note: Games worked with only one umpire receive an additional $20/game.
  Most Freshman games are single umpire.

• Tournaments: $35-50/game (May work 4 – 6 games per day)

Q: How do I join the MOA?

You will need to complete an application form and submit dues.