Frequently Asked Questions

SMSUA (Seattle Metro Softball Umpires Association) is a group of men and women providing umpiring services to the community of King County. We umpire slow pitch and fast pitch from community leagues to the highest possible level.

Join SMSUA and attend the training and rules classes and on-the-field training. Contact us for more information. Check out the Join page for additional information.

No experience is necessary. Our top-notch training program will get you ready for the field at whatever level you start. Of course, if you have softball experience it definitely will help.

You’ll umpire at all levels of ball you are qualified for, including Middle School, Junior High, High School, and College fast pitch; girls’ fast pitch, adult fast pitch and all levels of slow pitch.

Yes, but there may be ways to keep your out-of-pocket costs low. New uniforms and equipment can cost around $200. However, do not let the cost of uniform or equipment stop you from joining. We can help you get good equipment and uniforms at a reasonable cost.

Membership dues are $70 a year. Many umpires also work school ball which is an additional $40 a year. You will also be required to submit to a background check.

You’ll learn the common-sense application of rules and mechanics in classrooms, gym clinics and on-the-field. We provide the training you need to be a successful umpire. Check out our training page for more specific information.

Yes. You can choose when you want to work, 7 days a week from March through October. Work as little or as much as you want – the choice is yours!

Depending on the league and type of games you work, you can easily make over $90 a day or more. SMSUA has one of the highest pay rates in the nation.