Little League West Umpire Chain of Command
Regional Umpire in Charge (UIC)
Mr. Bill Carter
530-626-3711
[email protected]
District 32 UIC
Roger Otterson
858-224-2687
[email protected]
MMLL UIC
John Geary
[email protected]
Little League Umpires Needed --- No Previous Experience Necessary
Minimal physical requirements: Are you.... able to stand for 2 - 3 hours at a time, able to squat for short periods, able to make simple decisions? YOU CAN BE AN UMPIRE!! Contact MMLL UIC for more information at
[email protected].
The Role of the Volunteer Umpire
As a Little League Umpire your role is to control the game and the fans in some cases. Emotions can run high, excitment can be overcoming.
An Umpire must keep his cool under some the most challenging situations.
It is very simple.
Treat others as you would like to be treated.
Rule 1) Zero tolerance of verbal abuse from anyone to any Umpire. Ejection.
Rule 2) Zero tolerance of physical abuse from anyone to anyone.
This is a great opportunity to examplify the correct way to handle conflicts with rules and regulations in the presence of minors.
Often an overlooked aspect of the Little League program, umpiring is one of the most important. The volunteer umpire is as much a part of Little League as the volunteer manager, coach or concession stand worker.
There is no sound reason for paying umpires, or any other person whose services should be provided on a volunteer basis. Many districts and leagues have found successful ways to operate volunteer umpiring programs, helping to defray the costs that might normally be passed on to the parents. Some leagues provide new equipment or uniforms to umpires to use in performing their service to the league, then the umpire can retain the items after a certain period of time.
Little League also offers many training materials, clinics and seminars on umpire education, as well as the Little League Umpire Registry. The registry allows volunteer umpires to receive regular mailings from Headquarters on rule interpretations, updates, etc.
Who is responsible for the conduct of umpires? First and foremost, it is the umpire himself/herself. Each of us in Little League must take responsibility for our own actions. However, umpires are appointed by the local league president and approved by the local league board of directors. Only the local league board of directors has the authority to dismiss or suspend any local league umpire from regular season games.
A select group of volunteer umpires whose knowledge, experience and demeanor have received recognition at top levels of Tournament Play are invited each year to officiate at one of the World Series tournaments. In keeping with the volunteer aspect of the local league, travel expenses for World Series umpires are borne by the umpires themselves.
The District Administrator is responsible for nominating umpires (those who volunteer their time to local Little Leagues within the district) for upper level tournaments. Most umpires who reach the pinnacle of youth sports officiating (one of the World Series of Little League Baseball or Softball) have been volunteering their time to local Little Leagues for a decade or more.
Umpire Links
The Umpires 12 Commandments
- 1. Do not talk to players or coaches while the ball is in play.
- 2. Be polite to league officials.
- 3. Keep your uniform in good condition.
- 4. Take your time.
- 5. Keep the game moving.
- 6. Do not even up.
- 7. Do not lose your temper.
- 8. Keep your eye on the ball.
- 9. Do not call plays too quick.
- 10. Get help if necessary.
- 11. Get into position.
- 12. Be courteous, impartial, and firm.