District Partners with Umpires Care to Launch Umpire Training and Leadership Program
The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District entered a new partnership with Umps Care to bring an innovative Umpire Training and Leadership Program to students.
Initiated by Superintendent Michael Harrington, the program aims to address the growing shortage of sports officials while giving teenagers valuable leadership and life skills.
Over the past several years, the district has had to cancel or combine games due to a shortage of available umpires and officials. The new program, currently underway, will help develop a pipeline of trained youth officials while keeping students connected to the game.
Open to students ages 13–18, the initiative features six-week course teaching teens umpiring mechanics on the field and life skills in the classroom.
“The curriculum combines leadership and life skills with learning how to be an umpire,” Harrington said. “For us in Bellmore-Merrick, we have a lot of little leagues and upcoming athletes, and I know a lot of you play as well. This is an opportunity for you to stay part of the game in a different capacity.”
The program was originally created during the COVID-19 pandemic by a leadership team that includes Joe Iglio, Tom Dolan, Jennifer Jopling, and Leon Kruset.
Through partnerships with schools and local officiating organizations, the initiative seeks to inspire and train the next generation of umpires.
In addition to learning the rules and mechanics of officiating baseball games, participants complete classroom sessions focused on:
• Financial literacy
• Growth mindset and leadership
• Conflict resolution and de-escalation tactics
• Communication and professionalism on the field
The program also highlights the long-term financial opportunities associated with officiating.
“Your perspective shifts - you start thinking about saving money,” Iglio said. “It teaches young people responsibility while giving them a skill they can use for the rest of their lives.”
Umps Care is the charitable arm of Major League Baseball umpires and works to give back to communities through youth-focused programs. Its Official Leadership Program partners with schools and community organizations to train young people in officiating while building leadership, communication, and life skills.
