Umpires play a critical role in providing youth the opportunity to get on the field and experience the many benefits the sport of baseball has to offer.
Simply put, the game can't go on without them.
But the Cambridge Minor Baseball Association has had a difficult time retaining umpires, especially younger ones, over the past several years.
It's prompted management to once again put a call out for anyone interested in learning the job.
Dwayne DeMerchant, president of the CMBA, believes it's a great opportunity for kids already playing the game and for those hoping to stay involved as they get older.
"If they play, they'll learn more by umpiring than playing," DeMerchant said.
"You see the game from a different perspective. They'll see situations, see what people do. Maybe you don't play but maybe you want to play later or like to watch it on tv. The money doesn't hurt in the summer time, especially if you're 12 or 13 years old."
The process can begin at 12 years old and is done by passing various levels. Those new to the job attend a four to six hour class with older umpires who guide them through various situations they'll face in a game.
As courses are completed and on-field experience is acquired, umpires move up and can work games at higher age and skill levels.
Throughout the entire process, seasoned umpires are there to mentor less experienced ones.
Typically, around 40 umpires are needed by the CMBA to run a successful season and DeMerchant is hoping to recruit 15 to 20.
As is the case in any sport, umpires can be exposed to unruly parents and coaches. It's part of the reason DeMerchant believes turnover is so high.
"It's no different than hockey, you get the bantering from parents and coaches," he said.
"Some of them don't like that conflict. It's a sport, it gets intense at times."
The Cambridge Minor Hockey Association has tried to deal with the issue by creating a green arm band policy for its Tri Cities Interlocking House League Program in Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo.
Through the program, new referees wear a green band on their uniform to show they're still learning the job in an attempt to mitigate abusive behaviour.
DeMerchant, who also coaches, thinks the program is a positive one but he tries to create a personal connection by having his players talk to their parents about expectations.
"The hands of baseball is in the younger ages, if they don't pick it up, I don't know who will pick it up for them," he said of umpiring.
"It's not just Cambridge, all of baseball is looking for umpires. Everyone on the field, we need to respect them. Be more cognizant of what you say and how you say it."
Anyone interested in becoming an umpire can contact the CMBA.