Becoming an OHSAA-certified baseball umpire is a great way to stay involved in the game, earn extra income, and give back to the baseball community. Whether you’re a former player, coach, parent, or high school student looking for officiating opportunities, OHSAA certification is the standard credential required to work high school baseball in Ohio—and it’s increasingly valued at the recreation and travel baseball levels as well.
Here’s a clear breakdown of what the process involves and what you can expect.
Step 1: Register Through the OHSAA Website
All certification begins on the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) website. Officials must apply for a permit specific to the sport they plan to officiate. It’s important to note that each sport requires its own permit, so baseball and softball are separate certifications. If you plan to umpire both, you’ll need to complete each process individually.
Step 2: Complete the Online Officiating Course
Once registered, you’ll enroll in a self-paced online officiating course, which takes approximately 10 hours to complete. The course covers rules knowledge, mechanics, positioning, game management, professionalism, and safety. While the time commitment is manageable, it’s important to take the course seriously—strong fundamentals early on make a big difference once you’re on the field.
The cost for the course and permit is $70 for adults and $45 for high school students. This fee covers access to the course, exam, and permit processing.
Step 3: Pass the Certification Exam
After completing the course, you’ll take an online exam that tests your understanding of baseball rules and officiating concepts. A 75% score is required to pass. If you don’t pass on your first attempt, retakes are typically allowed, but preparation is key. Many officials recommend reviewing rule interpretations and mechanics carefully before testing.
Step 4: Complete Concussion Training
The final requirement is concussion education training, which focuses on recognizing symptoms, proper response, and player safety. This is a mandatory step for all OHSAA officials and must be completed before your certification is finalized.
What OHSAA Certification Qualifies You For
Becoming OHSAA certified qualifies you to work high school baseball games, including junior varsity and varsity levels, provided you are assigned by a local officiating association. Many recreation leagues and travel baseball organizations also prefer or require OHSAA-certified umpires. Certification demonstrates rules knowledge, professionalism, and a commitment to safety.
Final Thoughts
OHSAA certification requires time and commitment, but it is a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about umpiring. Beyond the financial benefits, it offers flexibility, continued involvement in baseball, and opportunities to grow into higher-level games. Whether your goal is weekend recreation ball, competitive travel tournaments, or high school baseball, becoming an OHSAA-certified umpire is the first and most important step.