UMPIRE CENTRAL
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Umpire Assignor Contact Information
Want to Join Our Umpire Staff?
ALL umpires are required to register with the FMBL in order to be considered for assignment. Once you have registered, you can jump down to Step 1 below. Click HERE to register to become an FMBL Umpire.
STEP 1: Provide Your Availability
Umpires must update their availability at the online utility in order to be assigned games. CLICK HERE to complete the Umpire Availability Form. If you don't let us know you are available, we will assume you are either unavailable, or do not wish to be assigned games. Because of time constraints, availability cannot be reported by phone, except for games which you are already assigned. If you have already been scheduled, but cannot make the game, call Joe Crone at (239) 464-7763.
STEP 2: Check Your Assignments
We will post all FMBL Umpire Game Assignments to FMBL Umpire Central as far in advance as we can. We assume that if you have reported availability for a date, that you will be able to complete the game. To view your schedule, you can either click on the FMBL Umpire Central logo at the top of the page, or click here to review your FMBL Umpire Game Assignments. Once you reach the scheduling page, select your name from the drop-down box to view your assignments. If you have a conflict, it is your responsibility to notify Joe Crone at (239) 464-7763 to be removed from the game. If you do not show up for an assignment, you may not be assigned to future contests, and will be required to forfeit one game fee to be reinstated.
STEP 3: Familiarize Yourself with the FMBL Rulebook
FMBL game play is governed by the FMBL Official Rulebook. Any situations not specifically covered in the FMBL Official Rulebook defer to the Major League Baseball Official Rules. If you have specific questions about gameplay, please consult Joe Crone at (239) 464-7763, and/or discuss your questions with the team managers prior to the first pitch.
STEP 4: Earn Your Fees & Get Paid
Please make arrangements to arrive at the ballpark with ample time to get equipped and be on the field at least 15 minutes prior to game time. The FMBL fee structure requires that the Home Team Manager shall pay $70 in cash to the home plate umpire prior to game start, and the Visiting Team Manager shall pay $70 in cash to the bases umpire (or $55 each for 7-inning games). Umpires are instructed to NEVER accept a partial fee. If one team fails to pay, umpires are instructed to complete their assignment and fill out the 'UMPIRE PAYMENT REQUEST' on the main site homepage to report the incident and receive payment. Full payment is guaranteed by the league within 7 business days to cover the manager's debt. Stiff penalties are in place for managers fail to bring cash to the game, and FMBL has never defaulted on a payment to any vendor or umpire. We simply want to outline the procedure so that a team in full compliance is not punished for an opposing manager's debt. Thank you for your cooperation.
STEP 5: Report Any Ejections / Give Feedback
The FMBL is making constant efforts to promote sportsmanship among its players, managers, and staff. We have escalating penalties for unsportsmanlike behavior, as well as promotions to encourage good behavior. If a team can get through the season with no ejections, that team receives a discount on their fees the following season. Despite these efforts, we understand that isolated incidents occur which warrant ejection. If a player is ejected, the ejecting umpire is REQUIRED to complete our FMBL Ejection Report Form. The ejected player will be issued a mandatory 1-game suspension, with additional penalties possible pending review of the FMBL Ejection Report Form. We also seek your opinions of what can improve our league from the umpires' perspective. Additional feedback, both positive and negative, about teams, players, fans, etc may be emailed to Matt Vorwald at fortmyersbaseball@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I get scheduled for games if I didn't report availability?
A: No. You must request an assignment by telling us you want to work that day. If you don't report your availability, we assume you are unavailable.
Q: I reported my availability for 6 weeks, but only got scheduled for 4 weeks. Why?
A: FMBL has 25 or more umpires available each week for 16 assignments. We attempt to spread the work out evenly to our crews.
Q: I worked in this league more than 2 years ago, do I need to fill out an application?
A: Yes. We need to ensure we have current contact info for many reasons, including insurance purposes. If your address or phone changes, please keep FMBL updated.
Q: What uniform color do I need to wear to umpire games?
A: FMBL does not require a certain color, or require matching with your partner. We encourage umpires to discuss this with your partner before working your assignment.
Q: What if a team doesn't pay me $70 in cash (or $55 for a 7-inning game)?
A: Do not accept partial payment or non-cash payments. Please work the game, then report the incident using the UMPIRE PAYMENT REQUEST form and FMBL will issue a payment promptly.
Q: Is gear supplied for umpires to work behind the plate?
A: No. Umpires are responsible for their own gear. Facemask, chest protector, shinguards, and protective shoes are strongly recommended.
Q: Do I need a specific certification, or need to join an umpire association?
A: No. Do not require affiliation. However, please remember you are an independent contractor, not an employee. You are not covered by any insurance through FMBL. We strongly recommend umpires join the Amateur Baseball Umpires Association (ABUA). Membership will cover umpires with insurance and enhanced benefits such as game fee replacement if an on field injury prevents working any scheduled games. Membership also covers umpires for working any level of amateur baseball.
Q: Can I request a specific partner or field assignment close to my house?
A: Yes. FMBL will do everything we can to honor any specific requests. We attempt to schedule available umpires as close to their home address as possible.
Q: How far in advance do you schedule umpires? When do you need my availability reported?
A: We attempt to schedule our assignments as far into the future as possible. As soon as we have enough umpires reporting availability on a certain date to cover all games, we begin creating that date's schedule. The sooner and farther out you can give us your availability, the greater your chances are of being scheduled regularly to games.
