Umpiring a little league game

I know baseball, I know the rules. Then I went to an umpiring clinic and realized I knew almost nothing. Baseball is a fascinating game with a lot of rules. I developed a passion for umpiring. It also was a real challenge.

I spent a lot of time learning and reading everything I could about umpiring. Little League organizers have noticed the players getting bigger, stronger, faster. In , they pushed back the fences from feet to feet. In , as games were turning into home run derbies, they moved the fences back to feet.

Eight teams from the U. Hicks is in Waco this week, watching the Southwest regional tournament that will produce one of the U. A total of 32 games will be played in the Little League World Series. There will be different challenges with international teams and the games on television.

Williamsport is such a special place. You can only umpire in Williamsport one time, a true once in a lifetime opportunity, and I want to remember every moment of it," Hicks said. Welcome to the umpire portion of our website! As you may know, Laguna Beach Little League strives to be an all volunteer league.

While we offer many different volunteer opportunities to assist with running our league, there may not be any that are as important and respected and therefore more rewarding than umpiring. Our umpire training and support program includes multiple opportunities for hands-on training, an incentives and rewards program and frequent in-season support and communication.

The basics The Quick Start page describes the most important techniques. Pick and choose Select topics of interest within the menu bar.

Great if you have previous umpiring experience. Jump to videos Links to videos are included with their topic descriptions. Have fun. Little League classes are available in many areas, and umpire specific classes are included. These classes go over the major differences between the major leagues and Little League, as well as advice for becoming a better umpire.

Local recreation departments often have classes, or can suggest where to find one. Little League also hosts a national umpire school that aspiring umpires can sign up for online. Sign up for the umpire registry. The Little League umpire registry allows umpires to connect and communicate with one another.

Signing up for the registry includes a copy of the official Little League Baseball rulebook, as well as access to the Umpire Registry site. The registry can put you in contact with other umpires in the area who can help show you the ropes. Updates to regulations or rules will be provided on the registry site, providing members with immediate access to the latest information.

Part 3. Know the responsibilities at plate. Plate umpires call the balls and strikes, as well as plays at the plate. The plate umpire must also return the ball to play after foul balls or a time out. Keep a consistent strike zone. There are a few guidelines for what constitutes a strike, but whatever you choose, consistency is what is important to being a good umpire.

Keep an indicator to help keep track of balls, strikes and outs. Know how to work the bases. Base umpire responsibilities are different than the plate umpire, and require you to watch the pitcher and runners on base. Once the ball has been hit, the umpire must move appropriately to avoid getting in the way of players, while still maintaining the ability to call a runner safe, or out. Let plays complete before making your call. Calling a play too early can result in an incorrect call and anger players.

Make your gestures for runners crisp and visible to everyone in attendance. Be loud when necessary. Loud and aggressive calls help alert the crowd and players to close calls, as well as indicate your knowledge of the rules. However, there is no need to be loud for obvious plays, such as wide, foul balls.

Develop your own style! Many umpires add their own style to their strike calls. Some growl it, some make it sound more like "Hike" than "Strike". Be careful not to confuse players with your calls though. Maintain composure during blown calls.