Updated October 26, 2026 · 10 min read
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Best Starter Kit
Champro Starter Umpire Kit
Why we recommend it: It puts all the protection a new plate umpire needs in one box, and it also includes a plate brush and a 4-dial indicator. It has the strongest rating of any starter kit we checked.
Who this guide is for
This guide is for first-time umpires in youth baseball or softball, including parents who were asked to call a game. We give you one simple path: what you need, the one product we recommend for each item, and what you still need after you buy it.
We compared the best-rated umpire gear on Amazon using each listing’s specs and buyer ratings. Every photo shows the exact product.
What gear you actually need
What a Plate Umpire Needs (the umpire behind home plate)
- ✓ Mask
- ✓ Chest protector
- ✓ Leg guards
- ✓ Umpire shirt
- ✓ Umpire pants
- ✓ Ball bag
- ✓ Indicator
- ✓ Plate brush
- ✓ Appropriate shoes
What a Base Umpire Needs (the umpire in the field)
- ✓ Umpire shirt
- ✓ Umpire pants
- ✓ Belt
- ✓ Appropriate shoes
- ✓ Indicator if your league requires it
Working the plate? Follow the 3 steps below in order.
Step 1: Start with protective gear
The mask, chest protector and leg guards are the most important items for a plate umpire. The easiest way to get all three is one starter kit.
Champro Starter Umpire Kit
You need this if: you are working behind home plate.
- MaskAdult wire frame with Ergo-Fit pads
- Chest protectorInside style, under 1.5 lb
- Leg guardsInjection-molded
- Rating4.7 (360+ ratings)
Why we recommend it: It puts all the protection a new plate umpire needs in one box, and it also includes a plate brush and a 4-dial indicator. It has the strongest rating of any starter kit we checked.
Included:
- Mask
- Chest protector
- Leg guards
- Indicator
- Plate brush
Not included:
- Shirt
- Pants
- Ball bag
- Shoes
What the starter kit does NOT include
After the kit, a plate umpire still needs four things: an umpire shirt, umpire pants, a ball bag and appropriate shoes. You do not need to buy an indicator or a plate brush, because both come in the kit.
Step 2: Add the missing uniform pieces
Murray Short Sleeve Umpire Polo Shirt
You need this if: you are umpiring any position. Every umpire wears one.
- FitCut to fit over a chest protector
- FabricBreathable, sweat-wicking polyester with mesh vents
- ColorsLight blue, navy, black
- Rating4.7 (1,200+ ratings)
Why we recommend it: It is cut roomy enough to go over a chest protector and has extra length in the back so it stays tucked in. It is also the best-rated umpire shirt we found.
Optional alternative: if you want a more pro-style shirt with side panels, look at the Smitty Major League Style Umpire Shirt. It costs more, and you don’t need it to get started.
Champro The Field Umpire Pant
You need this if: you are umpiring any position. These fit over leg guards, so one pair works at the plate and on the bases.
- FitCombo pant, fits over leg guards
- FabricWater-resistant woven polyester
- HemOpen, cut to your length
- Rating4.1 (1,200+ ratings)
Why we recommend it: One pair covers both plate and base games, so a new umpire doesn’t need to buy two pairs. The double-panel seat holds up in the umpire stance.
Smitty Umpire Ball Bag
You need this if: you are working behind the plate and carrying game balls.
- Size12″ x 12″
- FabricWoven polyester, double-needle stitching
- ApprovalNFHS approved
- Rating4.6 (190+ ratings)
Why we recommend it: It is NFHS approved, well built and slides onto your belt through tunnel loops. Wear it on a plain black belt.
New Balance 460 V3 Umpire Plate Shoes
You need this if: you are working behind home plate, where foul balls hit your feet.
- TypePlate shoe with a protective instep guard
- CushionAbzorb midfoot and EVA midsole
- CareEasy to clean and polish
- Rating4.7 (1,000+ ratings)
Why we recommend it: Plate shoes protect the top of your foot from foul balls, which regular sneakers do not. This is the best-rated plate shoe we found, and buyers say it stays light.
Optional alternative: if you only work the bases, or want to spend less for now, the 3N2 Reaction Lo Umpire Field Shoe is a lighter field shoe. It does not have plate protection.
Step 3: Indicator and plate brush (only if needed separately)
If your starter kit already includes these items, you do not need to buy them separately. The Champro kit above comes with both, so skip this step if you bought it.
Buy these only if you chose different protective gear, or if you want a spare.
Markwort Stainless Steel 4-Dial Umpire Indicator
You need this if: your kit didn’t come with one. It helps you keep track of balls, strikes and outs.
- TracksBalls, strikes, outs and innings
- BuildStainless steel
- Rating4.4 (240+ ratings)
Why we recommend it: It is durable and easy to read, and it tracks innings too.
Markwort Umpire Brush
You need this if: you are the home-plate umpire, you need to clean the plate during games, and your kit didn’t include a brush.
- Size5.5″ overall, fits a pocket
- HandleWood
- Rating4.8 (140+ ratings)
Why we recommend it: It is small and sturdy, and it has the highest rating in this guide.
Plate umpire vs. base umpire: what’s the difference?
The plate umpire stands behind the catcher and calls balls and strikes. Foul balls and pitches can hit them, so they need the full protective gear plus a ball bag, indicator and brush.
The base umpire works in the field. They don’t need a mask, chest protector or leg guards. They need the uniform (shirt, pants, belt and shoes) and an indicator if their league asks for one.
Champro Umpire Patent Leather Belt
You need this if: you are working the bases. Plate umpires usually wear one too, to hold the ball bag.
- StyleHigh-gloss black patent leather
- Width1 3/4″
- SizingMatches Champro pant sizing
- Rating4.3 (130+ ratings)
Why we recommend it: It is a plain black umpire belt that matches the Champro pants size for size, so you don’t have to guess.
Sizing and fit tips
- Shirt: umpire shirts are already cut to go over a chest protector, so order your usual size and check the size chart on the listing.
- Pants: order by waist size. The leg is roomy so it fits over leg guards. The hem comes long and open, so have it cut to your length while wearing your shoes.
- Belt: the Champro belt follows Champro pant sizing (for example, M fits 32″–34″ and L fits 36″–38″).
- Shoes: order your normal athletic shoe size. If you have wide feet, check the wide sizes on the listing.
- Protective gear: the Champro starter kit is adult-sized. Adjust the mask straps and leg guard straps so nothing slides when you crouch.
Check your league’s rules first
Many leagues set the shirt color and uniform style for umpires. Ask your league which shirt color to buy before you order.
How to become a youth baseball umpire
Most youth umpires start because their league needs help, and many leagues pay per game. The usual path:
- Contact your local league or umpire association. Little League, Babe Ruth, travel organizations and high school associations all recruit umpires, and many run training for new officials.
- Learn the rules. Get the rulebook your league uses, since youth leagues often have their own pitching, bat and base-running rules.
- Take a clinic. Many associations offer free or low-cost clinics covering positioning, mechanics and plate stance.
- Start on the bases. Base umpiring needs only the uniform, so it’s an easy way to learn before working the plate.
- Get your gear. Follow the checklist at the top of this guide, starting with protective gear before your first plate game.
Certification requirements vary by league and state, so ask your association what’s needed before you work games.
Umpire mask vs catcher’s mask
They look similar, but they’re built for different jobs. An umpire mask usually has extra padding and a longer throat guard, and it’s designed to sit behind the catcher for every pitch. Catcher’s helmets and masks are designed for a player who also needs to move, throw and chase balls. A traditional-style umpire mask, like the one in the Champro starter kit, is the common choice for new umpires. Many experienced plate umpires later switch to a hockey-style mask, which covers more of the head and spreads impact over a larger area. That’s an optional upgrade, not a first-season need.
Umpire chest protector: inside vs outside
Most umpires today wear an inside chest protector, which goes under the shirt. It’s lighter and more mobile, and it’s what the Champro starter kit includes. Outside protectors, worn over the uniform, are rarely used today. Chest protectors are sized by length. A protector that’s too long digs into your legs in the crouch, while one that’s too short leaves your lower ribs exposed. The starter kit’s adult protector fits most adults. Umpire shirts are cut roomy so they fit over it.
What to wear: umpire uniform colors
The classic umpire look is a powder blue or navy shirt with heather grey or charcoal pants, black shoes and a black belt. Many leagues also allow a black shirt. The most important rule is to match your partner: two umpires on the same game should wear the same shirt color. Ask your league or association which colors they use before you buy.
What to pack in your umpire bag
- Mask, chest protector and leg guards (plate games)
- Shirt, pants, belt and the right shoes
- Ball bag, indicator and plate brush
- A protective cup for plate games
- A rulebook or rules card, a pen and a small notebook for lineups
- Water, sunscreen and a towel
- A spare shirt in your partner’s color, if your league uses more than one
Got questions?
Frequently asked questions
What gear do you need to be a youth baseball umpire?
A plate umpire needs a mask, chest protector and leg guards, plus a shirt, pants, ball bag, indicator, plate brush and appropriate shoes. A base umpire needs only the shirt, pants, belt and shoes, plus an indicator if the league requires one.
Is an umpire starter kit enough to get started?
It covers all the protection, plus an indicator and plate brush. You still need a shirt, pants, a ball bag and shoes.
Do base umpires need a chest protector?
No. Only the plate umpire wears a mask, chest protector and leg guards.
Do umpire shirts run big?
They are cut roomy on purpose so they fit over a chest protector. Most umpires order their usual size.
Can I use the same gear for softball?
Yes. Every item in this guide works for both baseball and softball. Just check your league’s shirt color.
What does NFHS approved mean?
NFHS is the National Federation of State High School Associations. Its approval means the item meets their standards for high school play.
Do I need a cup to umpire behind the plate?
Yes. Plate umpires should always wear a protective cup, along with the mask, chest protector and leg guards. Foul tips can hit hard and fast.
Can I use a catcher’s mask to umpire?
It can work for youth games, but a dedicated umpire mask usually has more padding and a longer throat guard for standing behind the plate all game.
What color shirt should a youth umpire wear?
Powder blue and navy are the most common, and black is often allowed. Always match your partner and follow your league’s rules.
How do I become an umpire for youth baseball?
Contact your local league or umpire association, learn the rules your league uses, take a training clinic if one is offered, and start on the bases before working the plate.
Your simple shopping checklist
If you’re a first-time plate umpire
Start with:
- Protective starter kit (Champro)
- Umpire shirt (Murray)
- Umpire pants (Champro)
- Ball bag (Smitty)
- Appropriate shoes (New Balance 460 V3)
The kit already includes an indicator and a plate brush, so you are covered for those items.
If you’re a base umpire
You only need the shirt, pants, belt and shoes, plus an indicator if your league asks for one.
Start with the most important item, your protection:
Upgrades for experienced umpires
These are optional, and you do not need them for your first season. After a season or two, many umpires upgrade to a hockey-style mask, a heavier-duty chest protector, or a second shirt in another league color. Start with the essentials above and upgrade once you know what you like.
How we chose
We started with the best-selling and best-rated umpire gear on Amazon as of October 2026. We compared the specs in each listing and the overall buyer ratings, then picked one clear recommendation per item. We have not received free products from any brand on this list, and no brand paid for placement. Ratings and prices change often, so check the current details before you buy.
We research sports gear for players, coaches and sports parents. We compare specs, read verified buyer reviews and name one clear pick for each kind of player. How we pick · Affiliate disclosure
