How to Become a Baseball Umpire for Little League

Dugout

Becoming an umpire is a good way for an individual to participate and donate their time to little league sports. An umpire is the one who officiates the games and enforces the rules. Umpires make judgment calls and ensure the safety of all involved in the game. Umpires are often referred to as "blue" due to the color of the uniforms that they wear. A person who wishes to become an umpire should be well-informed on the rules and how the game of baseball is played.

Things You'll Need

• Volunteer forms
• Umpire uniform
• Equipment

Instructions

1. Attend a clinic or local class for umpires given by your local recreation department. This will educate you on any updated little league rules and regulations.

2. Contact the representatives for your local little league. Your local rec department can give you contact numbers of those who you need to speak with. Talk to umpires after a little league game; they can also point you in the right direction of who you need to contact.

3. Fill out the volunteer form. Most rec sites have the forms online for you to print off. Fill out the information honestly and completely. If you have prior experience as an umpire, be sure to include that information on your application.

4. Consent to a criminal background check. When you turn in your application, the little league will provide you with a date to have a background check done. Typically they will schedule a day for all volunteers. Any individual that works in close contact with children must submit to a criminal background check. The check will look for any domestic violence or child abuse reports in your past.

5. Prepare for your first game once you have been accepted as an umpire. The little league will probably provide you with your uniform and equipment. In some cases you may have to provide your own. You can purchase needed items at any local sporting goods store.

References

• Little League