There is so much to learn from Little League; sportsmanship, competition, service. There's plenty to learn from umpiring as well; responsibility, leadership, tenacity. Umpiring offers fantastic perspectives for volunteers new and old. 


How old do I have to be to umpire?
Our Youth Umpire program comprises boys and girls aged 13 and older who have experience playing baseball, softball or umpiring, and who have a lot of self-confidence and enjoy the sport. For Seniors Baseball we require the Plate Umpire to be an adult or 16 years or older with experience. 

When does training start?
We will try and get Umpire Sessions as soon as the snow thaws and we are able to get on the fields. If you are interested in umpiring, send us an email with the player/s names, age, division they play, and parent contact.

What if I forget a rule during a game? 
Nobody is perfect and it’s okay if you need to pause during a game to get a call right. Sometimes the hardest rules to remember are ones that are applied in the lower divisions such as batting out of turn. Take a moment to chat with the home team coach or the adult game coordinator.

How big of a time commitment is this?
You set your own schedule. Umpiring 3 to 5 games per season is a HUGE help to the league. We allow you to schedule the games you want based on your availability and the umpires you want to work with.

What if a game doesn’t have an umpire?
Unfortunately, we see this all too often. There may be a time when there is not an umpire who signed up, therefore it is up to the home team coach to ask the parents in the stands to come forward and volunteer. Otherwise, the game cannot go on. SLL will try it's hardest to fill these positions, but again we depend on volunteers to be available during these times to take the burden off the coaches and league officials. 

Is there ever an issue if only teenagers are on the field?
Rule 9.03(d) says an adult must be in charge of the game, however if no adult umpire is available an adult game coordinator will be required for ejections and to call the game for rain or darkness if necessary. The person does not have to be an umpire.

How much does it pay?
This will be discussed at the Umpire Clinics. Adults $20-$50, Youth $15-$25.


Thank you for considering the Little League umpire program!  If you have any questions email us. [email protected]