Sports Officiating Resources & the Coronavirus Pandemic

Oct 15th, 2020

PRODUCTS

Business communications & charity

Update Message on COVID-19 and Business Operations (5.20.20)
Latest from President Jim Kirk as sports re-open

Message to the Officiating Community on COVID-19 (3.18.20)
Early message after sports shutdown

Smitty Making Cloth Masks - Buy One, Donate One Program
Campaign from us, NASO and Smitty to donate 10,000 masks to hospitals and non-profits around the country

SAFETY & WELLNESS

SUMMARIZED: NASO's 13-Point Plan: Getting Back to Officiating Sensibly
Addresses personal hygiene, social distancing, masks wearing and electronic whistles for officials

Mindset for Social Distancing Guidelines
From TSEUA President & Assignor John Gallante

Social Distancing Behind Home Plate
Could this solution provide the best compromise for umpires, leagues and safety?

Calling Balls/Strikes from Behind the Mound?
Follow this easy safety tip to avoid line drives with optimal mechanics.

Electronic Referee Whistles As Alternative for Sports Officials During COVID-19
Learn about issues with traditional whistles as it relates to spreading tiny droplets and wearing cloth masks.

Cloth Masks Available Here
Not just for officiating, high-quality, ready-to-ship masks for family, friends and co-workers to help slow the spread of COVID-19

Sports by State

High School and Middle School Associations Decisions on Fall Sports (7.31.2020)

The (Nearly) Definitive State-by-State Guide on All Sports Re-Openings
Started, planned or TBD, we have the re-opening updates for your state.

Return to Play: US and Canadian High School Associations (NSGA)

Unemployment Resources

State-by-State Independent Contractor Unemployment Resources (NASO)

Links by state for more info and to sign up

Important & Urgent Message for Officials Who Have Lost Games/Money (Ump-Attire.com)
Contacting government representatives regarding Coronavirus Stimulus Bill

LEAGUE GUIDELINES

AAU Basketball / Volleyball Update
From AAU President Dr. Roger J. Goody

American Legion Update
Updates, communications and resources

Cal Ripken Guidelines
Return to play policies

Little League International Coronavirus Update Section
Best practices, resumption guides and league communications

MAVA Update
Requirements and Expectations

NCAA & COVID-19
Updates, communications and resources

NFHS Officials Specific Section
Multiple columns on coronavirus-specific topics and access to free learning tools.

PBR Update
Updates from President Sean Duncan

Perfect Game: Weekly Updates | Event Guidelines

Pop Warner Update
The latest updates

USA Softball Resources
Updates, communications and resources

USSSA Update
Updates, guidelines and FAQ’S

WBSC Guidelines

MORE CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES

Center for Disease Control COVID-19 and Considerations for Youth Sports
Principles, risks and best practices on maintaining healthy environments

Referee Magazine's "Officiating During the COVID-19 Crisis"
(Updated daily) News articles and resources around the globe on officiating and officals' impact with multiple sports and levels

Related Articles

President Jim Kirk

Jim is a leading expert, educator and author on umpire gear, safety & appearance. After playing baseball at Centre College, he worked as a high school umpire. He became involved in E-Commerce while working on an MBA in the early 2000s and bought Ump-Attire.com in 2006, He eventually led it to the leading umpire gear & attire retailer worldwide, a “Best Places to Work in Louisville” honor in 2020, 2021, 2024, and a National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) Preferred Vendor. He maintained a long-standing relationship with Minor League Baseball Umpire Development & Training Academy for 10 years. He serves as an adviser to UMPS CARE Charities, the charity of MLB umpires, served as a 2-term board of director from 2012-2018, and was named their 2015 Ambassador Award recipient. A supporter since the inception of the Wounded Warrior Umpire Academy, he was named to their Board of Directors in 2020.