I am 17, have been playing baseball and softball for 10 years. In the last 12 months i have taken up umpiring as well. I am curious as to how many players, in particular younger players, take up umpiring in their teens. I am from Australia and I have noticed that a lot of our umpires began at a very young age. For instance, umpiring at 14U state champs, we had an umpire running around who was only 9yo. So, could anyone who umpires shed some light on this for me? How many younger umpires are around? And do you umpire because you enjoy it, or out of nessecity?