Become a first-class softball referee | Domestic + MLB dual path

Domestic chapter: China Thunder Association certification three steps

Step 1: Introductory training

✅ Participate in junior referee training organized by local softball associations (2-3 days)

English: Attend local Softball Association's basic umpire training.

Step 2: Practice upgrading

✅ After passing the exam, he will judge amateur competitions and gain experience→ Apply for intermediate referee qualification

English: Umpire amateur games to qualify for intermediate certification.

Step 3: Sprint Level 1

✅ Participation in national training + at least 3 years of intermediate experience + passing theoretical/physical/on-the-spot assessment

English: National-level training + 3-year experience + final exams required.

MLB: An Advanced Guide to the American Career System

Step 1: Stepping Stones Bootcamp

✅ Sign up for MLB Umpire Camps (open in January every year, at your own expense of about $3,000)

Join MLB's official training camps for fundamentals.

Step 2: Minor League Trials

✅ Admission to the Minor League (Rookie→A→AA→AAA, an average of 7-10 years)

English: Progress through minor leagues with annual evaluations.

Step 3: Climb to the top of the big leagues

✅ Top performers are recommended for promotion by the MLB Umpire Development Program

English: Top performers get promoted via development program.

MLB Referee Functions & Salary

Minor League Referee (MiLB)

Functions: Referee Rookie to AAA League

Salary: $2,000-3,500/month (seasonal)

English: Umpire minor leagues, seasonal income

Major League Referee (MLB)

Function: Referee regular season + playoffs + World Series

Salary: 150,000 + up to 450,000/year + lifetime pension

English: $150k base salary, World Series bonuses available

✨ Career ceiling comparison

Domestic: Can be promoted to international referee (WBSC certification)

MLB: Tenured position, retirement as a training instructor

✨ Universal Skill Pack

Required Rules: The latest WBSC (International Softball Federation) rulebook

Physical Fitness Standard: Sprint home plate to outfield in 40 seconds

Artifact recommendation: MLB Umpire School online course (Chinese subtitle version)