The Kawartha Baseball Umpires Association (KBUA) is offering to cover clinic costs for all new umpires and provide a local field clinic in hopes to keep up umpire recruitment.
“Essentially we just cannot keep up umpire recruitment and there is now a risk of less or no house league baseball because a lack of umpires,” said Nolan Frazer, KBUA.
According to Frazer, pay rates for umpiring have gone up significantly over the last few years to try and entice more members.
“It makes for an awesome summer job for teens and students or a little cash on the side,” he said.
Umpires with KBUA chose what days and hours they would like to work. Age groups vary from youth to men’s league.
The KBUA covers all baseball games in the area, with most requiring two umpires and some up to three. They also cover games for Peterborough high schools, Trent University and Fleming College.
Umpires with the KBUA can cover house league, select and rep divisions.
“Peterborough has a great history of baseball and some really good competition and talent at all ages,” said Jamie Graham, KBUA.