Umpire Training:
Umpire training is provided by the District (District 8) and by individual Leagues.
Training consists of: 1) Rulebook seminars and 2) Field Mechanics training. Field Mechanics training is mandatory for new umpires.
The rulebook sessions consist of evening “classroom” meetings that discuss rule details and how to apply the rules to specific situations. Field Mechanics training is an outdoor “how to” session to teach on-the-field technique.
WLL will kick off the season with a pre-season umpire meeting for additional discussion, league specific rule clarifications, and equipment distribution. Additional in-season field mechanics instruction may be scheduled, if there are new umpires that were unable to attend the pre-season session.
Umpire Training Expectation:
Umpires need a solid understanding of baseball rules as written in the Little League rulebook. Each umpire will be issued a current year rulebook. Field Mechanics training covering positioning and signaling technique is required before an umpire works behind home plate.
Umpire Commitment:
Pre-season umpire training is scheduled in February and March. The season starts in late March and runs to mid-June. Minors and Majors teams participate in tournament play from mid-May to mid-June. All-Star tournaments are in late-June through mid-July. The league is committed to providing umpires to all tournaments in which its teams play. It is considered an honor to participate as an umpire in tournament play and in the All Star tournament.
Each umpire should expect to work at least one game each week at home plate. Business commitments and personal vacations are expected and will be worked around. If an umpire is scheduled for a game and a last minute change is necessary, the umpire should verbally contact the UIC and/or the team Managers.
Minors and Majors Umpire Scheduling:
Umpire scheduling will be managed on-line at the District 8 Umpires website. Managers should verify coverage for their games on the website. The league UIC will manage the umpire schedule to ensure game coverage on a week- ahead basis.
The District 8 website allows for two umpire slots for each game. The first slot to be filled will be the home plate umpire. Team umpires should not take slots for their own team games until the home plate umpire slot is filled.
Umpire Uniform and Equipment:
AA and AAA umpire equipment is issued to the team. AA and AAA umpires that attend the pre-season Field Mechanics session and the WLL Umpire Pre-Season meeting will be issued Umpire Shirts and WLL Umpire Hats.
Minors and Majors umpire equipment and uniform is issued to the individual.
Self-purchased umpire equipment is tax deductible (see below).
The following equipment is issued by the league:
- Umpire Shirt and Hat (all Minors/Majors AND trained AA/AAA)
- Umpire Patch for shirt sleeve
- Chest Protector (inside the shirt protector for Umpires officiating games at the Minors and Majors level)
- Chest Protector (outside the shirt foam protector for AA and AAA)
- Little League Rule Book
- Shin Guards
- Face Guard
- Belt Pouch containing plate brush and count indicator
The following equipment is the responsibility of the umpire:
- Protective Cup
- Pants (Gray is the preferred color; Umpire choice whether to wear shin guards inside or outside of the pants)
- Shoes (Black is the preferred color; reinforced toe recommended for Majors, umpire preference for lower levels; sturdy shoes recommended at all levels)
WLL hopes that Umpires will enjoy the experience and stay with the program through multiple seasons. Equipment issued to the individual umpire may be kept for use in additional seasons. The Umpire is expected to maintain the equipment properly and should inspect protective equipment that has been struck by a ball or bat. Damaged equipment should be replaced for the continued safety of the Umpire. Please contact the UIC for replacement equipment.
Tax Deduction:
Since Little League is a non-profit organization, the self-purchase of umpire equipment and umpire clothing can be considered a charitable contribution for tax purposes. Mileage to/from games and training may also be deducted at the charity rate of $0.14/mile.