Tri-State Elite Umpire Association

08/05/2026

Thank you Senator Corrado! Your leadership on this issue is so important and appreciated!

This week's Bill of the Week is S-4045, legislation that clarifies that amateur sports officials are considered independent contractors for purposes of State employment laws.

Across New Jersey, youth sports depend on dedicated officials to ensure games are conducted safely, fairly, and with good sportsmanship. However, uncertainty surrounding their employment status has made it more difficult to recruit and retain the officials our communities rely on.

S-4045 provides the clarity needed to help attract and keep amateur sports officials, ensuring our youth leagues have the personnel necessary to oversee games, promote orderly conduct, and provide a safe environment for young athletes, coaches, and spectators alike.

Strong youth sports programs begin with strong leadership on the field. I am proud to support this commonsense legislation that helps preserve the integrity of amateur athletics and ensures our children can continue to enjoy safe, organized competition.

Link to the bill: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S4045

08/04/2026

Just this week, we have added the following new co-sponsors to Bill A4735!

Keep reaching out and urging our legislators to move A4735 and S4045 to save youth sports officiating in New Jersey!

Assemblyman Ravi Bhalla (D)
Assemblyman Al Abdelaziz (D)
Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak (D)
Assemblywoman Maureen Rowan (D)
Sentor Henry Owen (R)
Senator Holly Schepisi (R)
Senator Anthony Bucco (R)

07/23/2026

Just this week, we have picked up the co-sponsorships of this bill from the following legislators!

Senator Brian Stack (D)
Senator Vincent Polistina (R)
Assemblyman Paul Kanitra (R)
Assemblyman Don Guardian (R)
Assemblyman John Azzariti (R)
Assemblyman Al Barlas (R)

This bill is gaining momentum and we must continue to work to spread the word. The future of amateur sports officiating in the state of New Jersey depends on it!

Call and e-mail your local legislators to support Assembly Bill A4735 and Senate Bill S4045!

07/02/2026

Thank you to the courier post and Tom McGurk for highlighting the TSEUA and all of the work we are doing to recruit and train new umpires. Give it a read!

Love baseball? Want to make some extra money? Become an umpire! New classes for cadets begin later this month. See link below ⬇️

📸 CHRIS LACHALL/USA TODAY NETWORK

06/24/2026

TSEHSUA President Jerry Wilgus and Assignor John Gallante present Cherry Hill West Catcher Hayden Baker with his Spirit of Sport Scholarship award alongside Head Coach Dan McMaster

06/24/2026

TSEHSUA President Jerry Wilgus and Secretary Jack Whitcraft present Clearview Baseball’s Ryan Battista with the Tri-State Elite High School Umpires Spirit of Sport Scholarship award earlier this afternoon with Ryan’s parents and Clearview Head Coach Nick Core

06/15/2026

Long-time TSEUA umpire Bill Boyd and his youngest son Luke Boyd umpire a men's league baseball game together on Sunday morning for the first time.

There is something extra special about being able to umpire with your dad.

06/09/2026

The TSEUA and TSEHSUA would like to congratulate John Gallante on his selection to his second NJSIAA State Final!

John will work the plate on Wednesday June 10th at 7pm at Rutgers University in a match up between Gloucester Catholic and St. Marys

"John Gallante will be working his second State Finals assignment, and is regarded as one the finest baseball officials in the area. John has done more for baseball officiating in South Jersey than anyone I know, and his contributions are immeasurable in my opinion."- said TSEHSUA President Jerry Wilgus

06/09/2026

The TSEUA and TSEHSUA would like to congratulate Jack Whitcraft on his selection to his first NJSIAA State Final!

After years of dedicated service and commitment to the craft, Jack will work 1st base on Wednesday June 10th at 7pm at Rutgers University in a matchup between Gloucester Catholic and St. Mary's

"For Jack Whitcraft, this will be his first State Finals assignment, an honor that is very well deserved. Jack has dedicated an immense amount of time and effort refining his officiating skills and is a true ambassador of the game."- said TSEHSUA President Jerry Wilgus