Pacific Youth Association
Umpire Training, Testing & Onboarding Center
This page explains what happens after application and what must be completed before evaluation, training, or game assignments.
Start Here
Applying does not guarantee assignments. All applicants must complete the required onboarding, paperwork, testing, training, and approval steps before becoming eligible to work games at PYA.
Onboarding Roadmap
STEP 1
Apply
Complete the PYA local intake or STLWEST application if available.
STEP 2
Review
PYA leadership reviews the application and determines next steps.
STEP 3
Paperwork
Complete the agreement, W-9, and required acknowledgments.
STEP 4
TeamSideline
Set up TeamSideline before field evaluation or assignments.
STEP 5
Test
Complete required written open-book rules testing.
STEP 6
Train
Complete Pack the Park / Path to Power if required.
STEP 7
Approval
Assignments begin only after approval by PYA leadership or the UIC.
Required Paperwork
Required paperwork must be completed before an applicant moves forward into active onboarding, TeamSideline setup, field training, evaluation, or scheduling.
- PYA umpire agreement / contract
- W-9 tax documentation
- Independent contractor acknowledgment
- Parent or guardian acknowledgment if under 18
- Equipment, conduct, attendance, and reporting expectations
TeamSideline Onboarding
TeamSideline is the official scheduling and assignment system used by PYA. TeamSideline onboarding must be completed before Pack the Park evaluation, field training, or assignment eligibility.
- Create or update your TeamSideline account.
- Confirm contact information.
- Complete required profile information.
- Learn how to enter availability blocks.
- Learn how to accept or decline assignments.
- Review postgame reporting expectations.
- Understand that assignment notifications may not always be immediate.
PYA Written Rules Test
PYA home umpires are required to complete a written open-book rules test before field evaluation or game assignments.
- Confirms basic rule knowledge.
- Supports fair and consistent game management.
- Helps determine training needs and division placement.
- Builds readiness for future STLWEST certification.
- May include PYA procedures, scorekeeping expectations, safety rules, and division-specific rules.
Testing may be used for placement, evaluations, training recommendations, and advancement readiness.
STLWEST Training & Certification
STLWEST certification is required for umpires who want to work at additional STLWEST member parks beyond PYA when league-wide registration and training are available.
- STLWEST application and registration
- STLWEST open-book rules test
- Required rules meetings or training sessions
- Possible on-field training requirements
- League approval before multi-park assignments
If STLWEST registration is closed, PYA may still onboard approved local-only umpires for PYA home games.
Pack the Park / Path to Power
Pack the Park / Path to Power is PYA’s local field-training, evaluation, and volunteer development system.
- Live-game training experience
- Field and plate evaluation opportunities
- Division placement review
- Game management development
- Mentor feedback
- Volunteer credit opportunities
- Future advancement and raise consideration support
Participation may be required before paid PYA assignments depending on experience, readiness, and PYA leadership approval.
Local Field Training Topics
PYA local training may include the practical procedures needed to work games at Pacific Youth Association.
Game Day Basics
- Arrival expectations
- Uniform standards
- Equipment check
- Ground rules
- Field safety
Reporting Basics
- Scorecard process
- Postgame reports
- Umpire card submission
- Incident documentation
- Coach/parent concerns
Professional Readiness
- Communication
- Confidence
- Game control
- Rule application
- Mentor feedback
Gear & Volunteer Credit Pathway
Required umpire gear is the umpire’s responsibility. PYA may offer approved volunteer credit opportunities that can be used toward approved umpire gear purchases through the official PYA store.
- Light blue umpire shirt
- Gray pants
- Black shoes
- Umpire hat
- Ball bag
- Indicator / clicker
- Plate brush
- Protective gear when working behind the plate
Required Training Resources
STLWEST rules are the primary governing source for PYA baseball and softball. OBR and USA Softball may be used as supplemental references when STLWEST does not specifically address a situation.
STLWEST Rulebook
Primary rule authority for STLWEST baseball and softball divisions.
Open STLWEST Rulebook
2026 Umpire Rules Test
Required written open-book rules test for PYA home umpire onboarding.
Open Rules Test
OBR / MLB Rules
Supplemental baseball rule reference when STLWEST does not specifically address a situation.
Open OBR Rulebook
USA Softball Rules
Supplemental softball rule reference when STLWEST does not specifically address a situation.
Open USA Softball Rulebook
TeamSideline Login / Signup
Create a new TeamSideline account, sign in, or manage your scheduling profile for assignments, availability, and postgame reporting.
Open TeamSideline Login / Signup
TeamSideline Setup Guide
Account setup and login help for new umpires and parents assisting minors.
Open Setup Guide
Scheduling Approval
Once onboarding steps are complete, PYA leadership or the UIC will determine assignment readiness based on training, testing, reliability, communication, and field evaluation.
- Assignments are not guaranteed.
- New umpires may be assigned a mentor.
- New umpires are placed based on age eligibility, rule knowledge, readiness, safety, and UIC/board approval.
- Additional training may be required before paid assignments.
- Scheduling depends on need, availability, reliability, readiness, and approval.
Questions?
For onboarding, paperwork, scheduling, training, or testing questions, contact PYA leadership or the UIC.
Use the resources above to complete training, testing, TeamSideline setup, and rulebook review.