Dear Prospective Cadet,

Thank you for your interest in joining the Bergen County Umpires Association (BCUA). Each year, the BCUA conducts a comprehensive Cadet Training Program for individuals who wish to become professional members of our organization and registered NJSIAA interscholastic baseball and/or softball umpires. To qualify for enrollment, candidates must be at least 18 years of age by April 1, 2027.

Our curriculum is specifically designed to provide candidates with an expert knowledge of competition rules, master the proper mechanics of umpiring, and fully prepare everyone for the Final State Certification Examinations. Upon successful completion of the coursework, passing the certification exams, and fulfilling the mentor observation requirements, cadets are elevated to full membership and certified to officiate varsity- level baseball and/or softball games within the State of New Jersey.

To successfully navigate the program, all cadets must strictly adhere to the following baseline requirements, schedules, and policies:

1. CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION & ATTENDANCE

The program consists of 18 classroom instructional sessions covering both baseball and softball. Each session is approximately two hours in length, running twice a week from early January through mid-March.

• • Orientation Meeting: Monday, January 4, 2027. Attendance is mandatory. All rule books, training materials, and schedules will be distributed at this time.
  • Exam Eligibility: To be eligible to take the official NFHS Exam, you must attend a minimum of three (3) out of the five (5) designated "Rules Classes" in your respective sport.

2. FIELD & MECHANICS SESSIONS

Practical mechanics training is vital to field performance. Attendance is tracked strictly, and absences carry mandatory makeup requirements:

• • Indoor Mechanics: You must attend one (1) classroom indoor mechanics session for each sport you are registered for. An absence requires you to complete an additional game mentoring session.

• • Outside Mechanics: There are two (2) scheduled outdoor mechanics sessions. Missing any outdoor session will automatically require an additional game mentoring session per absence.

3. MANDATORY MENTORING PROGRAM

In addition to formal classes, you will be paired with an official BCUA Mentor for each sport. You are required to attend high school games (preferably pre-season scrimmages) to observe your assigned mentor officiating. You must complete a minimum of three (3) distinct game observations per sport.

Important Notice: Cadets who do not fulfill their mentoring requirement will remain at cadet status for the following year. If all outstanding requirements are not fully completed by the end of Year 2, you will be removed from the BCUA Association roster.

4. TUITION, FEES, REGISTRATION AND REFUND DEADLINES
   • Single Sport Fee (Baseball OR Softball): $200.00
   • Dual Sport Fee (Baseball AND Softball): $270.00
   • YOU MUST REGISTER ON-LINE.  To register  go to link below:

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

• • Refund Policy: There are absolutely no refunds after the first instructional class for each respective sport. The final 2027 refund deadlines are January 6, 2027 for Softball and January 7, 2027 for Baseball. Any approved refund requested before these dates will be subject to a "cost of materials" deduction alongside a

             $25.00 administrative fee.

5. BACKGROUND DOCUMENTATION & UNIFORMS

Per NJSIAA regulations, all cadets will go through a background check from the NJSIAA. This cost will be the responsible of the prospective Cadet. Additionally, cadets are expected to be properly uniformed when officiating interscholastic games at any level. You are responsible for acquiring your own gear. For your convenience, an equipment vendor will be present at the initial orientation meeting on January 4 to offer approved uniforms and gear packages.

Most official program updates, scheduling changes, and regulatory alerts will be distributed via email and posted directly to our official website. Maintaining a valid, regularly checked email address is a mandatory requirement for the duration of the program.

Should you have any questions regarding registration, scheduling, or requirements, please do not hesitate to contact our program leadership directly.

Sincerely,

Richard Bicocchi

Cadet Supervisor

Bergen County Umpires Association