Minimum Age to Become a Baseball Umpire in Chicago [Requirements]

If you're thinking about becoming a baseball umpire in the Chicago area, one of the first questions is simple—how old do you have to be to get started? Whether you're a teenager looking for a part-time job or an adult getting back into the game, umpiring with Home Plate Umpires is one of the best ways to earn money, stay active, and stay connected to baseball.

Below, we’ll break down the minimum age requirements, what you can expect when you’re just starting out, and how Home Plate Umpires helps you every step of the way—from training to your first paid game.

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Minimum Age to Umpire Baseball in Chicago

Here’s how age requirements generally break down:

• 13 years old is the starting point for youth rec leagues in and around Chicago. These assignments usually include base umpiring for tee-ball, coach-pitch, and lower-level kid pitch divisions.
• 16 years old is where you can start to take on more competitive leagues and possibly work the plate.
• 17+ is required to officiate high school games through IHSA (Illinois High School Association), which includes a certification process and passing a rules exam.

If you’re between 13–17, there are still plenty of games available—and Home Plate Umpires will match you with leagues and roles that fit your age and experience.

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Where Most New Umpires Start

New umpires typically begin with youth baseball leagues—especially ages 8U to 12U. These games are slower-paced and perfect for learning the basics. You’ll usually start on the bases and work your way up as you gain experience.

Games are often scheduled:

• Weeknights after school or work
• Saturdays and Sundays
• During spring and summer league seasons

Pay for beginners usually ranges from $30–$50 per game, with higher rates available as you move into older age groups and more competitive levels. Work two or three games in a day, and you can easily take home $100+ on a weekend.

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Why Start Umpiring Early?

Starting at 13 or 14 gives you a head start that most jobs can’t offer. You’ll build experience fast, earn real money, and develop leadership and communication skills that carry over far beyond the field.

Here’s what you gain:

• Consistent, flexible income
• Professionalism and accountability
• A clear path to higher-level assignments
• A network of mentors and fellow umpires

Umpires who start young with Home Plate Umpires often move up quickly to high school games, travel ball tournaments, and post-season play.

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What You’ll Need to Get Started

Most first-year umpires just need the basics, and Home Plate Umpires helps you find the right equipment for your budget.

For youth games, you'll need:

• Umpire shirt (typically navy, black, or powder blue depending on league)
• Dark pants and black shoes
• Hat, ball/strike indicator, plate brush

If you work the plate later on, you’ll need protective gear (mask, chest protector, shin guards), but many leagues have options to help you borrow or buy affordably.

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How Home Plate Umpires Helps You Get Started

At Home Plate Umpires, we don’t just assign games—we set you up to succeed. We make it easy for brand-new umpires to get trained, certified, and into real games.

We provide:

• Access to local training clinics covering mechanics and rules
• Personalized help choosing the right games based on age and experience
• Affordable gear recommendations
• Mentorship and support from experienced Chicago-area officials
• A schedule that works with your availability

We’ve worked with hundreds of new umpires over the years, and we’re ready to work with you too.

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Ready to Umpire with Home Plate Umpires?

If you're at least 13 and ready to start working real games in the Chicago area, Home Plate Umpires will help you take the first step. Whether you’re brand new or coming back after a break, we’ll get you trained, equipped, and on the field.

Reach out now—we’ll walk you through everything you need to get started.