FAQs

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What is the Northern Colorado Sports Officials?
What clubs and/or organizations do you provide officials for?
How old do I have to be to umpire?
When does the season begin?
What kind of training is required to become an umpire with NCSO
How much can I get paid for umpiring?
I play baseball as well. Is this a problem?
It sounds like NCSO schedules games in a wide area. Do I get compensated for mileage?
Do I have to pay anything to join the NCSO?
What about uniforms and equipment?
How can I get involved in High School Baseball umpiring?
Do I have to pay taxes on my earnings that I make as an umpire?
Am I insured through NCSO?

The NCSO is an organization founded with the belief that sports officials are a unique and integral part of athletic competition. The NCSO is first and foremost an advocacy group for sports officials. The NCSO also provides training, scheduling, and game officials for athletic organizations or clubs. Right now, the only two sports that the NCSO is involved in are baseball and girls’ fast-pitch softball, though, as the name indicates, other sports being added is a possibility. The NCSO is also an advocate for sportsmanship, ethical behavior, and education through athletics. Look for the Colorado Sportsmanship Initiative coming soon.

What clubs and/or organizations do you provide officials for?

We are currently under contract with the Fort Collins Baseball Club, Windsor Competitive Baseball, and the Fort Collins Starz softball programs. This includes all summer high school programs in Fort Collins and Windsor. We are currently talking to other groups around the area, and almost certainly will add more programs prior to the start of the season. NCSO also has a great working relationship with other officiating and sanctioning bodies, such as Triple Crown Sports, and actively works in partnership with them to refer umpires to their events.

How old do I have to be to umpire?

Umpires must be fourteen years of age by the beginning of the season on June 1. Fourteen and fifteen year old umpires will attend a separate meeting with their parent(s) so that expectations, travel requirements, etc. can be discussed. Additionally, these umpires may only work recreational and rookie league games for twelve year olds and younger. Any umpire sixteen years of age or older may umpire any league that their ability dictates, with the only rule being that any umpire may not officiate a game involving participants the same age or older than the umpire.

When does the season begin?

Competitive baseball programs will begin in April. Recreational leagues begin in June. The summer season runs, including tournaments, until August. The fall season runs from September to the end of October.

What kind of training is required to become an umpire with NCSO?

Any training that meets our high standard is acceptable. If you have umpired in an area other than Northern Colorado, you will be expected to provide the name and number of your former supervisor so that we can contact them. However, ALL umpires are required to attend annual training sessions, whether through the high school umpires group, their collegiate conference, or the local NCSO training session. Go to the important dates link on the home page for training days and times. Superior training is the backbone of the NCSO, and why northern Colorado umpires are so highly regarded.

How much can I get paid for umpiring?

Game fees run from 28.00-75.00 per game, depending on age and level of play. Your availability determines how many games you can get. Some umpires made over $5,000.00 last year.

I play baseball as well. Is this a problem?

No. NCSO will schedule around your availability. Obviously, you will not be allowed to officiate in your own league.

It sounds like NCSO schedules games in a wide area. Do I get compensated for mileage?

No. Travel costs may be tax deductible, but you will not be reimbursed for travel and/or mileage.

Do I have to pay anything to join the NCSO?

Dues are 40.00 annually. I ask that all umpires pay dues to help defray the administrative costs that are incurred from scheduling and payment.

What about uniforms and equipment?

The NCSO is a professional organization, and requires all officials to provide their own equipment and uniform. All umpires must have:
Mask
Inside chest protector
Shin guards
Official heather gray slacks
Official navy blue jersey
Black shoes/socks/belt
Official navy blue hat
Ball bag/indicator/plate brush

NCSO offers a buyer’s assistance program that will purchase these articles for the new umpire, and deduct the cost from their pay throughout the season. NCSO also holds an annual used equipment sale, where quality uniforms and equipment can be purchased at a very reasonable price.

Included on this web-site is a link to Gerry Davis Sports- the recommended provider for quality umpire apparel and equipment.

How can I get involved in High School Baseball umpiring?

E-mail Sean Grogan (on the contacts page) Sean is the area director for the Colorado High School Baseball Umpires Association.

Do I have to pay taxes on my earnings that I make as an umpire?

Consult your tax advisor for specific details. All umpires joining NCSO are doing so as independent contractors. NCSO will train umpires, assign games, and act as a payment broker for individual leagues. Umpires joining NCSO ARE NOT employees of NCSO. No tax forms will be generated, though payment records will be kept that NCSO umpires can access if they want to.

Am I insured through NCSO?

No. As independent contractors, all umpires will be required to sign a waiver indicating that they are currently covered by a medical policy, or, if not, that they understand any injury incurred while umpiring or traveling to or from umpiring is their own responsibility. Liability insurance may be purchased through any one of a number of agencies. National Sports officials groups, such as the National Federation of High Schools or the National Association of Sports Officials, offer liability coverage with many other membership benefits for joining their organization. Umpires under eighteen years of age will be required to have a parent sign the form as well.