PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — With a shortage of officials throughout Aroostook County, individuals interested in umpiring softball or baseball games at the middle school and high school level are encouraged to attend clinics being offered in March, with the opportunity to work in games as early as this spring.
The Northern Maine Softball Umpires Association will hold a one-day clinic on Saturday, March 9, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Townsquare Media, located at 551 Main St. in Presque Isle.
“We do not charge for the clinic, so the only costs are local board dues of around $80,” said Steve Thibodeau, assignor for the NMSUA. “You can get by with uniforms and equipment for another $120, so honestly for under $200, they will be ready to umpire this season.”
He said individuals available to work games this spring have the ability to make up those costs within the first two weeks of the season.
“It’s an opportunity to get outside, work with some great umpires, have fun with the kids and make some money,” Thibodeau said.
Bill Casavant, clinician for the Northern Maine Board of Approved Baseball Umpires, said new umpires are also needed in his sport.
He is overseeing clinics on Mondays throughout March, being held at Northern Maine Community College in Room 106 of the Christie Building, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
“Successful candidates who pass the written exam after the clinics will then attend two classes of umpiring mechanics and be eligible to begin umpiring sub-varsity games this spring.” Casavant said.
The cost of the baseball umpiring clinic is $45, which includes a rule book, a casebook, printed materials and the examination.
For more information on the softball umpiring clinic, contact Thibodeau at softballassignor@hotmail.com or by phone at 462-4629.
If interested in the baseball umpiring clinics, call Casavant at 551-5778 or contact him by email at bballump34@yahoo.com.
