LATHAM, N.Y. - As the United East begins its celebration of Spring Officials’ Appreciation week, the conference did not have to look far to gain some insight into what makes a great official.
On the campus of Cairn University, most days you can find their Assistant Athletic Director for Communications and Marketing, Jarrett Johnson, plugging his way on his computer or perhaps in a press box statting a Highlander contest. In his time off though, Johnson replaces his red Cairn polo with a plain blue one, working as a baseball umpire for the United Umpires organization.
A former pitcher for the Highlanders, Johnson has taken his love of the game into the officiating realm, rising through the ranks to earn himself a spot on the crew of multiple junior college and NCAA Division III umpire staffs.
We caught up with Johnson to explore his journey and gain some insight as to what it takes to become a collegiate umpire.
UNITED EAST: Where did you first gain interest in officiating?
JOHNSON: I have always been a stickler for the rules of competition. Even when I was just a kid, I’d offer to be the referee or official in gym class games. But as I started playing collegiate athletics, I realized that was an avenue I could begin in my years as an upperclassman and continue after I finished my collegiate baseball career.
UNITED EAST: Give us some insight into how you got to where you are now? How did you get involved with officiating in the first place?
JOHNSON: Being a pitcher in college, by nature there are a number of games I didn’t play and it was during these times, I’d go and start up conversations with the umpire crews. I began to get to know some of them and asked them how I could get started in this position. It wasn’t really anything formal but just using the opportunities I got to expand my network and knowledge.
UNITED EAST: What is something you think players and fans don’t understand about the profession?
JOHNSON: Most of the officials I associate with want to do things at the elite level and that doesn’t necessarily mean elite as in top playing level, but elite as in they are striving for perfection when making calls, preparation, and professionalism.We know that every game is important for the players, coaches and programs so that means that every game should be just as important for us.
The pitcher's mindset also translated to my officiating in a sense of if I allowed a batter to get on or make a mistake with a pitch, I can’t let that affect how I approach the next batter. We are always striving to call each game without mistake.
UNITED EAST: How much time do you put into your officiating profession?
JOHNSON: There are obvious minimum requirements that every officials’ group has in place but a good number of officials are going above and beyond usually because of a desire to be the best they can be as well as reach a higher level. So personally, I am doing camps and clinics all around my area. And that isn’t just to learn from the programming but also there are usually professional and Division I officials present who are at the top of their game that I can ask questions to and gain knowledge from. I am also a big proponent of watching game film from contests where I’ve officiated. This is to not only assess my calls but also to make sure my technique, mechanics and other small nuances are correct.
And even just the preparation on game days takes time as I want to make sure that I am there not only early but also look professional. My first impression should reflect how I am going to perform that entire game.
UNITED EAST: Do you have any advice for those looking to get into the profession?
JOHNSON: Maybe the easiest way is to connect with the people closest to you. Just like I did, you should connect with officials at your games. And then look into getting those beginning certifications which can all be found online. There is a shortage of officials in many sports nationwide so state associations and officials organizations are always looking for those interested in getting involved.
UNITED EAST: What is the most fun part about being an umpire?
JOHNSON: The people and the places. I get to travel all over the area, visiting different facilities which is very cool. But even more so are the people. You really build these tight-knit bonds with those you work with and even get to meet at those camps and clinics. And once those bonds are created, its really everyone championing each other’s successes. Many veteran officials take pride in giving back and helping newer officials out in helping them achieve whatever level they want to eventually reach.
I also just get satisfaction from doing a good job. I want to leave the facility knowing that I performed my best.
Jarrett Johnson is currently an official for both baseball and basketball. For baseball, Johnson works under the United Umpires organization and for basketball he works under the umbrella of College Basketball Officials Association
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The United East boasts 17 NCAA Division III full member institutions which include: Bryn Athyn College, Cairn University, Cedar Crest College, Gallaudet University, Keystone College, Lancaster Bible College, Notre Dame of Maryland University, Penn College, Penn State Abington, Penn State Berks, Penn State Brandywine, Penn State Harrisburg, Rosemont College, Saint Elizabeth University, St. Mary's College of Maryland, University of Valley Forge, and Wilson College. For more information, please visit gounitedeast.com.