Dress and Deportment Guidelines

December 2009

Objective:

The key objective of the Calgary Area Baseball Umpires Association (CABUA) is to facilitate the development of quality baseball umpires in the Calgary area.

Proper attire, deportment and attitude are crucial elements in establishing a professional demeanor and gaining the respect of the managers, coaches, players, spectators, and fellow umpires.

To this end, CABUA has established the following guidelines for umpire dress and deportment to ensure that CABUA assigned umpires are consistent in their appearance, conduct and CABUA assignment commitments are met.

Standard Umpire Dress:

For base umpire:

• Black pullover short-sleeve shirt with red undershirt (consistent with partner).

• Heather grey slacks, clean and neatly pressed.

• Black shoes, black socks, black belt (socks may also be dark navy blue).

Shoes clean and shined, conservative belt buckles.

• Black fitted umpire cap (CABUA logo preferred).

Black fitted umpire cap may also be worn only with black, grey shirt.

• Carry a timepiece out of sight (preferably in pocket) in the event of time limits, weather delays, curfew or other requirements for noting the time.

For plate umpire:

Same as base umpire with following additions:

• Black ball-bag(s) (note: base umpire never wears ball-bag).

• Navy plate coat acceptable.

• Protective mask with dangle or extended throat protection, jock (or jill), chest protector, shin pads and steel-toed footwear must be worn.

• Shin pads and chest protector are not to be worn outside clothing.

• Cap is to be worn (not backwards) with standard umpire mask, cap is not required if ‘helmet style’ mask is used.

Only ‘umpire style’ helmet mask may be worn. The typical ’catcher mask and helmet/skull cap’ should not be worn by umpires. Contact UD chairman for advice if unusual requirements.

Additional items/notes:

• Powder blue shirt with navy undershirt is an acceptable option but all umpires must match. NOTE: The standard black uniform shirt MUST always be available. Do not assume your assigned partner will have other colour combinations. (Navy blue shirts are no longer CABUA standard attire).

• Outer jacket, windbreaker or sweater (navy blue or black only) may be worn either outside or tucked in dependent on garment style and personal preference. Umpires should match.

• Gloves should be black.

• Conservative sunglasses are acceptable.

• Use of CABUA logo items is encouraged as it is ‘league neutral’ and avoids having to purchase multiple patched or embroidered uniform components for the various leagues. NOTE: Dress code for Provincial, Little League or National play-off or championship tournaments may require otherwise. Check with Tournament UIC.

Guidelines for Managing Assignments:

• Advise the Assignor as early as possible of dates when you will not be available for assignments, also provide him or her with any restrictions or assignment preferences

• Confirm receipt of assignment e-mail, fax or phone messages.

• Reply promptly to Assignor if any conflicts with assigned games.

• Record your assignments in your calendar immediately after accepting them.

• When called to cover last minute assignments, be as flexible as practical to assist the Assignor in meeting our league commitments.

• Always call the Assignor first to handle re-assignments of games.

• Review assignment bylaw annually to understand umpire and Assignor responsibilities.

• Unless extenuating circumstances (injury or late arrival as noted below), work the position assigned to you. There may be a Supervision planned for your game evaluating the position you were originally assigned.