"Umpires are expected to be perfect day one and then get better." MLB Commish Bud Selig

Following this train of thought, here are some excellent tools to help you be a better umpire.  

Click on any picture below and never stop learning!

Referee Training Center- print and digital products available for all sports. Best resource available!!

Image of various baseball training and rule books, including manuals and study guides, with prices listed.

Umpire Classroom- courses that you can take online. They also have free videos on YouTube. (sugg Kevin Kane)

Screenshot of a website section titled 'General Courses' displaying three baseball-related training courses: 'Umpire 101: An Introduction to Umpiring' priced at $35, '2025 Preseason Umpire Training' priced at $35, and a bundled 'Umpire 101 & 2025 Training' priced at $50. Each course includes a description, with images of baseball and umpire equipment.

RefMasters Community App- officials, players and coaches gather to elevate the game. (sugg Rich Verost)

Screenshot of the RefMasters Community app page showing app features, ratings, age requirement, category, developer, language, size, and sample screens of video chats, discussions, profile development, events, and quizzes.

UmpireEmpire- forum based question and answer community for umpires. (sugg Steve Moskowitz)

Screenshot of an online baseball forum with sections for introductions and asking the umpire, showing posts and activity levels.

Rule of the Day- email that will arrive every day from John Ottovino, dad of Yankees and Mets pitcher.  send email to sign up -  j.ottavino@att.net

A promotional poster for free umpire training at NJSBLA Sports Academy, featuring a baseball field background with text about signing up by calling Todd Walker.

3 Man Reference Card for Base Positions for Baseball and Softball

Table detailing NJBSA baseball base rotation and 3-man base umpire positions, listing runner positions and corresponding umpire placements.
A table showing softball base rotation positions for 3-man umpire crew, including runner positions, umpire positions (U1, U3), tags, and different base scenario tags like none, first, second, third, loaded, and pre-game review.

⚾ Exciting Announcement: Winter Umpire Training Classes at Diamond Nation! ⚾

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our first four intensive Winter Umpire Training Classes at Diamond Nation! This is a fantastic opportunity designed to sharpen the skills of both new and seasoned officials in a professional, focused setting.

Key Training Details

Saturday- 1/10 Training Topic:
The 80% of Baseball Umpiring 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM : Safe/out: Catch, tag, infield fly Fair/foul, ball out of play: Foul ball defined, live ball/dead ball, foul tip, overthrow out of play. Ball/strike: Strike zone, checked swing, batter’s box, catcher’s interference Base running: Interference, obstruction, base path (out of), running lane, awarding bases, time plays, proper appeals, sliding, runner touched by batted ball, runner touched by thrown ball. Pitching: Legal pitching positions, illegal pitches, balks.
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Training Topic- Rule Myths Part 1 Covered in Detail.

Saturday, 1/17 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM Training Topic The Umpire 2 Man Mechanic MUST KNOWS - What is my proper position at the start of each at-bat (or in some cases, each pitch), What signals, if any, should I be exchanging with my partner before the pitch, And then, when a batted ball enters the field of play: What is my proper rotation (that is, where do I go) What should I be watching (the runners or the ball), and What calls do I own (and which calls belong to my partner)
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Training Topic- Rule Myths Part 2 Covered in Detail. Each session costs $10 to help offset the Trainers pay. All sessions will be held at the main building in the diamond nation batting cages. Email me at JRueb@diamondnation.com or text me at 856-834-5482 . Get off the couch and improve your officiating this Winter !!

Location and Logistics

  • Location: All classes will be held in the Main Building's Batting Cage Area at Diamond Nation.

  • Cost: To cover our excellent trainers, there is a nominal fee of $10 per two-hour session.

  • Gear: For the Plate Training sessions, please remember to bring your mask and hat only.

We strongly encourage you to take full advantage of this invaluable opportunity to continue your growth and excellence as an official. Invest in your game this winter!

Secure your spot TODAY! Please contact me to reserve your session(s) as soon as possible:

  • Email: JRueb@diamondnation.com

  • Text: 856-834-5482