"HEY, WE NEED AN UMPIRE......"

Many people think they are not "qualified" right off from the start, and for some of the upper levels of play - acting as a single umpire for a game - they may be correct.  But anyone, with a little bit of training, can be an umpire at any level.

The fact is that there is no game without somebody agreeing to act in the role of umpire to call “balls”, “strikes”, “fair”, “foul”, “safes”, and ”outs”.

And most importantly without an umpire (by Little League rule) there is no game.

VOLUNTEER BASED

Bainbridge Island Little League (BILL) originates it umpires from a base of volunteers.

In the event a volunteer umpire is unavailable for a game the Manager of each baseball team (AA and up) is required to umpire or provide a volunteer umpire.

ROLE OF THE UMPIRE

Umpires are the sole representatives on Little League on the field.  In addition to applying the rules in an unbiased manner, the umpire is responsible for:

§  Starting and ending the game

§  Helping to provide a safe playing environment

§  Ensuring the timely progression of the game

BENEFITS

In addition to being great fun and a change to get out on the field with the kids, umpires:

§  Are the only authorized parties on the field, other than the teams themselves.

§  Are responsible for helping ensure a safe and fair game.

§  Have the best view in the house.

TRAINING

Umpire crews are often a combination of new and experienced umpires.  There are various way to learn to become an umpire.

§  Team up with an experienced umpire.

§  Read the rules -- contact the Umpire-in-Chief (UIC) for a copy of the Little League Rule Book and an Umpire Guide.  There are also various on-line umpire resources  www.littleleague.org/university/umpires/

§  Attending a training session:   

§  District 2 hosts an Umpire Clinic. www.wad2llb.org

§  Register with BILL as a volunteer umpire and attend a local BILL umpire training class.

SCHEDULING

All (AA and above) games require a plate umpire for the game to be played (a second base umpire is strongly recommended as there is lots to see).

Click here to connect to the UMPIRE SCHEDULING CALENDAR

WHAT TO WEAR

BILL provides umpires with protective equipment and jerseys for game day use:

·         face mask,

·         chest protector,

·         shin guards.

·         Umpire jersey

Umpires wear the following:

·         Grey or dark pants; Black belt

·         Black shoes (preferably not cleats); black socks

·         Umpire cap*

·         Ball bag (containing an indicator and plate brush)*

·         Personal protective gear

Note: Contact the BILL treasurer with equipment receipts for reimbursement.

BILL UMPIRE PROGRAM

For more information, please review BILL’s umpire program, as approved by the Board of Directors.

CONTACT US

If you are interested in Umpiring, please reach out to the league president, division vp or your manager, and we’ll get you starting on your way.