Program Overview:

Saratoga Little League is one of the few Little League programs with a paid Youth Umpire Program. It provides our youth with the opportunity to learn about umpiring while they earn some extra money. For many of our umps, this is their first job.

What is the Umpire's Job?

The umpire's job is to make sure one team does not get an unfair advantage over another within the scope and intent of the rules of the game. Umpires have the authority to order a player, coach or manager to do, or refrain from doing, anything that affects the conduct of the game.

Why Umpire?

For active players, umpiring can be a great way to enhance your understanding of the rules of baseball and how they are applied in game situations. It is also a fun way to stay involved in baseball if you're no longer playing. Umpiring also looks good on a college application because it requires many of the qualities colleges look for: leadership, confidence and the ability to make decisions under pressure. Umpiring is also a great way to earn some extra spending money!

Who can Umpire?

If you are Little League 11 years-old or older and have played at least one year of Little League, you are eligible to apply. You can also apply if you are Little League age 10 with at least one year of playing experience, as part of our “Parent/Child Umpiring Program” (see below).

Training

Training consists of a mandatory 2-hour classroom clinic as well as on-the-field training throughout the season. The mandatory classroom training session will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010 from 7-9pm, at the Saratoga School Multipurpose Room. On the field, all umpires will receive mentoring from more experienced umpires throughout the season. A field clinic may also be scheduled at a later date.

Parent/Child Umpire Program

The Parent/Child Umpire Program is a fun way for you and dad (or mom!!) to learn and ump together! You and your parent are assigned to umpire the same games throughout the season. As the youth umpire’s confidence grows, the parent umpire allows the youth umpire to take increasing responsibility for managing the game. Those who have participated in this program in past years have universally indicated that this is a great way to get started with umpiring.

Adult Umpire Program

We always need eager adult umpires, especially for Majors games, where game management is of the utmost importance due to the higher level of competition. If you’re itching to get more directly involved in the games this is a great way to do it! Our adult umpires love the thrill of having “the best seat in the house” to watch some great baseball, and they also enjoy the constant challenge of making the right calls, quickly, confidently and decisively. Our more experienced adult umpires are nominated to participate as umpires for post-season all-star tournaments.

Zero Tolerance Policy

We'll continue to emphasize our no-nonsense “Zero Tolerance Policy” that reads: “Ensuring a fair, safe, healthy and fun game environment is our top priority. SLL has a zero-tolerance policy for arguing judgment calls, umpire abuse or call-related displays of poor sportsmanship. Managers, coaches or players involved in such conduct will be immediately ejected from the game and may be further subject to a Code-of-Conduct review.”

Required Forms

• Parental Waiver
• Medical Release
• W4

Program Requirements:

Candidates for the youth umpire program must meet the following requirements:

1. Little League 11 years-old or older (or Little League age 10 and participating in the Parent/Child Umpiring Program).
2. Required attendance at both classroom and field-training.
3. Willing and able to umpire a minimum of one game per week. Weekday games begin at either 4:30 or 5pm while Saturday games are scheduled at 9am, Noon and 3pm.
4. At least one year of experience as a Little League player.

Program Benefits:

• Training
• Uniform and equipment
• Umpire pay (for youth umpires) for each game: specifics To Be Determined. Pay will be based on difficulty of the assignment and will likely range from $15 to $30 per game.