Becoming a Little League umpire is a great way to get involved in youth baseball. Most Little League programs have managers and coaches umpire the majority of games during the season, but they will gladly welcome others to help out with the umpiring. You must realize you are umpiring for youngsters and you want the game to be fun, but as an umpire, you have to be the authority figure in the game.
Step 1
Learn the rules of the game. You are the arbiter of what happens on the field and you have to know the rules. If a groundball goes by first base in fair territory but ends up in foul territory, you must know right away that it is a fair ball. If the catcher drops a third strike, can the batter run to first base? These are a couple of the rules you have to understand.
Step 2
Find a league that is looking for volunteer umpires. Realize that these are primarily nonpaying positions. If you have umpired before, let the president of the league know your experience. If you have not umpired, they may ask you to attend a seminar or pass a written test before you get an assignment. As long as you are willing to do that and subject yourself to a background check--standard procedure for most Little League organizations with regards to managers, coaches and umpires--they will give you an opportunity.
Step 3
Get yourself proper umpire's clothing and the equipment you will need. Many leagues will supply masks, shin guards and chest protectors, but they are shared by many umpires. If you are umpiring at several locations or you want your own equipment, you can purchase them at most sporting goods stores. Buy a light-colored shirt and gray pants or shorts. You will need a ball-strike counter (commonly referred to as the "clicker") and a whisk broom to clean off the plate.
Step 4
Talk to experienced umpires and ask them what they think is the most important part of the job. Ask them how they keep a consistent strike zone. Ask them how far they will let managers and coaches go before ending an argument. Get the benefit of their experience.
Step 5
Buy books on the subject of umpiring. You can learn from top professionals who have umpired for a living and by reading what they have to say on the subject. You may not do it exactly the same way the pros do it at the elite levels of the game, but they will let the reader know the best way to prepare for the job of umpiring.
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