Prague [Czechia]

Every year in April, the PONY Europe baseball and softball tournament for kids U14 and U16 is played in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. 

This tournament is the European qualifier to the PONY World Series in the USA. So the winning team of each category in Prague is invited to travel to the USA, to compete against teams from all over the world and maybe win the World Series title!

For umpires, this tournament in Prague is a great opportunity. Or as we call it: the PONY Prague Experience:

• umpire 4 days in a beautiful city in Central Europe.

• be part of a great crew of 40 umpires ages 18 to 75+, from 20 countries world wide.

• work some of the 150+ games, in 2-, 3- and 4-umpire crews.

• work U14 and U16 categories, at 3 ballparks(**)

• learn from experienced UIC's and umpires about rules, mechanics and game management(*)

• help less experienced umpires to fill their toolkit.

• have lots of fun, new stories and friends for life!!

• Adapt to the No problem! mentality.

During the tournament you do not have much time for sightseeing in beautiful Prague. 

But ofcourse you can tack a few extra days to your stay. No problem! 

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(*) = General knowledge of the WBSC rules and experience with the 2-man system is required.

(**) = Softball is at 1 ballpark (Eagles). Baseball is at 3 ballparks (Eagles, Tempo, Sabat).

The application and invitation process:

• November 15: start of the application period.

• November 30: the last day umpires can apply. 

• Before Christmas (December 24), the selected crew will be announced and invited.

Invited umpires will receive:

• free shared hotelroom (Wednesday -> Monday).

• free breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• free local transportation in Prague (from/to airport, trainstation, hotel, ballparks).

• a single payment of CZK 2000 (+ €80).

Invited umpires will NOT receive:

• travel to/from Prague (no travel allowance or reimbursement).

• beverages at the clubhouse bar (very cheap).

• We like to communicate! 

But only in English. So you should be able to speak and understand English well.

• We work in crews! 

To be part of our crews you should have at least good knowledge of the 2-umpire mechanics.

• We know the WBSC rules! 

To be a fair umpire, you should know most of the WBSC Europe rules.

• We like to learn! 

We need you to be open minded, and give and receive feedback that makes all of us even better umpires.

• We make mistakes! 

No problem! We solve all situations at the field as a crew. And learn from it.

• We have fun! 

So, if you like to laugh a lot, and can enjoy yourself in a big group of umpires, please apply!