BCUA SUB-VARSITY CADET APPLICATION

Prospective Cadet,

Thank you for expressing an interest in joining the Bergen County Umpires Association.  Each year, the BCUA conducts a Cadet Training Program for individuals, 18 years of age (by April 1, 2026) or older wishing to become members of our organization and registered NJSIAA interscholastic baseball / softball umpires.

To accomplish this, we have designed a program to train individuals with a comprehensive knowledge of the rules, as well as the proper mechanics of umpiring.  Once our cadets have successfully completed our program; they will be entitled to membership in our organization and will be certified to officiate SUB-VARSITY level baseball and softball games within the State of New Jersey. 

The requirements for enrolling in and successfully completing our cadet program are detailed in this letter.  Please make sure that you read this information carefully.  Should you have any questions, please feel free to call or email BCUA Cadet Supervisor, Peter Zubiaurre; 201-906-5127; pzlaker@gmail.com

Our 2026 Cadet Program will consist of 9 “ZOOM” classroom sessions and 4 “ON-FIELD” trainings (BOTH baseball & softball), each approximately 2-hours in length. The first session, an Orientation Meeting…Thursday, January 29, will serve as a general introduction to the program.  In order to be eligible to take the Baseball / Softball Exams, you will need to attend five (5) of six (6) ‘Rules Classes’. Application fee is $200. There will be NO REFUNDS AFTER the Orientation Class.  All refunds requested BEFORE the ORIENTATION CLASS will be accessed a ‘cost of materials’ fee & a $25 Administrative Fee.

In addition to your instruction, you will also be required to attend 1 on-field mechanics session as well as scrimmages. You will be expected to attend 3 of 4 scrimmages in order to complete this program.

CADETS WHO DO NOT FULFILL THEIR REQUIREMENTS WILL REMAIN A CADET FOR THE FOLLOWING YEAR until they have completed these requirements. If you do NOT complete your requirements by the end of year 2, you will be removed from the BCUA Association.             

All cadet classes will begin promptly!   There is a list of the dates and starting times below.  Classes are held twice a week, beginning in late JANUARY and continuing through mid-MARCH.  Exams will be administered after each rules class is completed. 

Our cadets are expected to be properly uniformed when umpiring interscholastic games (starting with scrimmages). You are responsible for purchasing all equipment and items necessary for the upcoming season. 

As much information as possible will be transmitted via our website, www.bcua.info or through email communication.  It is required that you provide an email address and cell number to receive such communications.

YOU MUST REGISTER ON-LINE.

https://bcua.refsec.com/web/CadetReg.aspx

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE APPLICATION FEE MUST BE RECEIVED BY January 2, 2026

Once you pass the Exams, you will be required to Register with NJSIAA.

*****ATTENDANCE…Cadets must attend five (5) of six (6)  Instructional/Rules Classes in order to be eligible to take the Baseball / Softball Exam(s).

PLEASE NOTE NJSIAA POLICY

Registration will not be issued for anyone convicted or adjudicated with a finding of fault, guilt or violation, in regard to an offense against a minor or any sexual offense unless/until such offense has been reversed by proper authority with jurisdiction over the matter; or convicted, or adjudicated with a finding of fault, guilt or violation, in regard to an offense involving any illegal/illicit drug or controlled substance as prescribed by federal or state law or regulation, prior to five (5) years following the completion of any sentence/parole/probation period imposed for the offense.

NJSIAA REGISTRATION

• Baseball / Softball / Background Check - $90
• Implicit Bias Training - no charge
• Concussion Certification – no charge

BERGEN COUNTY UMPIRES ASSOCIATION

           2026 SUB-VARSITY CADET SCHEDULE

Thursday, January 29:              ALL Cadets Orientation Meeting; 7pm

Tuesday, February 3:                 Baseball Rules                                         

Thursday, February 5:              Baseball Rules

Tuesday, February 10:              Baseball Rules

Thursday, February 12:            Softball Rules

Tuesday, February 17:               Softball Rules

Thursday, February 19:               Softball Rules

Tuesday, February 24:              Test

Thursday, February 26:            Baseball & Softball Mechanics Discussion

Saturday, March 7:                     In Person on Field Mechanics – TIME/LOCATION TBD