How to Umpire a Little League baseball Game
Being an umpire for any baseball game can be a fun or unpleasant way to spend an afternoon. This is even more true when you are an umpire for a Little League game. You have to deal with the calls on the field as well as the (constant) heckling from managers and know-it-all parents. It's important that you deal with every situation you come upon the right way.
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Instructions
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Begin by knowing the ins and outs of Little League baseball and baseball in general, especially the rulebook. This will help you when you encounter disputes during the game. If you know you're right, you can better stand your ground.
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Be prepared to crouch low as a home plate umpire. Since Little League ballplayers are shorter, you will want to get down low in order to see the entire strike zone better.
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Call balls and strikes loudly and use a clicker or other method to keep track of the pitch count. You should also repeat the pitch count and use your fingers to show the pitch count to the players after every pitch. You don't want there to be any confusion for the Little League players while out on the field.
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Inform the manager about any disrespect you receive from a player on his team. You should let the manager handle this situation before saying something directly to the player. If it continues, you should tell the manager to remove the player from the game before you embarrass the player by ejecting him.
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Stand up for yourself to any managers or parents who try to argue with you during the game. You shouldn't “look” for conflict during the game, such as yelling at these people. If somebody yells toward you regarding a call, ignore it at first. Once this becomes a lingering problem, though, you should warn the adult that if he continues, you will have them removed from the ballpark. That type of environment isn't good for the players. You must remember and remind others that, while out on the diamond, the umpire is the law. Your call is the final call.
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Don't be afraid to be loud and animated about making calls. Extend your arms and exclaim “Safe” or raise your fist and yell “Out!” on close plays. However you make the call, be sure to do so quickly and loudly so that everybody can hear you. You don't want there to be any ambiguity about your calls. This can create tension between you and one of the Little League managers.
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Tips & Warnings
Watch other Little League umpires in your area to see what to do and what not to do.
Never yell at a manager or player on the field, even if you are getting yelled at yourself. Remain calm yet firm during any dispute. If talking with a manager, simply tell him that a continued disruption of the game will cause you to take action (ejection), something that neither you nor he wants to have happen.
