Step 1 — Register with Sports Connect

1. Go to ncllball.com and click Register
2. Enter your email and click Continue
3. Create a password (8+ chars, upper, lower, and one special character)
4. Verify your email — link expires in 24 hours, check spam
5. Select Volunteer registration
6. Choose all programs that apply and complete checkout (no cost, but checkout is required)

Step 2 — Explore Volunteer Roles

1. Log into Sports Connect → Volunteer tab → Find Volunteer Roles
2. Click Show More if needed to see all programs
3. Choose a program and click View Available Positions
4. Select the division and role you want
5. Fill out the form and follow prompts to register

Step 3 — Background Check

1. After registering, watch for an email from JDP with your background check link (check spam)
2. Click the link — valid for 14 days
3. Complete the questionnaire using your legal name and the same email you registered with
4. Submit — no fee to you
5. Renewed every season before engaging with players

Missing your invite? Email [email protected] .

Step 4 — Abuse Awareness Training

1. Go to the Abuse Awareness Training page at Little League University
2. Create an account or log in if returning
3. Search for Abuse Awareness Training and enroll
4. Work through the modules (video, reading, quizzes)
5. Complete the final assessment and submit
6. Done — the league is notified automatically. No code or certificate needed.

Thank You!

Your support is invaluable to NCLL. We appreciate your dedication to creating a positive and fun experience for our young athletes.

Questions? Email [email protected] .

Details

• Time: ~20–25 minutes
• Frequency: Every calendar year
• Deadline: Before your first practice or game
• Who: Managers, coaches, umpires, on-field helpers, Board members, and any volunteer in contact with players
• Proof: Logged automatically — no upload needed

How to Complete

1. Access the Platform
   • Go to Little League University – Abuse Awareness Training
   • Create an account (first-time) or log in (returning)
2. Enroll
   • Search for “Abuse Awareness Training” if not immediately visible
   • If asked, search for North Central Little League
   • Open the course and click Enroll / Register
3. Complete Modules
   • Work through each module’s video and reading segments
   • Answer any embedded questions or mini-quizzes
4. Final Assessment
   • Finish the end-of-course quiz and submit
   • Completion is logged automatically — no upload needed

Tips & Reminders

• Technical issues: Use the LLU Help / Support link, or try a fresh browser tab or incognito mode
• Deadline: Finish before your first scheduled practice or game
• Returning volunteers: You must retake the course each calendar year
• Stay sharp: Revisit key indicators periodically during the season
• Scope: Required for managers, coaches, umpires, on-field helpers, and board/key volunteers
• Required by Little League International: Recognize and report abuse to keep every field safe

Walkthrough Video

If something feels off, speak up: email [email protected] or your division coordinator; call 911 for emergencies.

Details

• Time: 3–5 minutes online
• Cost: Free — covered by NCLL
• Who needs it: Managers, assistant coaches, team managers, umpires, and any volunteer interacting with players.
• When: Before your first practice or game.
• Renewal: Every calendar year.
• Provider: JDP (secure background screening).

Link expired? Email [email protected] for a fresh invitation.

What to Have Ready

• Full legal name, birth date, and current address for the JDP screening.
• Driver's license or state ID to speed up verification.
• Best email and mobile number so we can share scheduling updates.

How to Complete Your Background Check

1. Register as a volunteer
   • Go to the Volunteer Hub , sign in, and select your volunteer role.
2. Watch for the JDP email
   • Look for a secure link from JDP (check spam). The link is valid for 14 days .
3. Complete the questionnaire
   • Open the JDP link and fill out the required fields with accurate, up-to-date information.
   • Use your legal name and the same email you registered with NCLL.
4. Submit and wait for confirmation
   • No additional upload needed — NCLL is notified automatically when you're cleared.

Little League Policy

Little League may deny individuals the privilege of volunteering if a background check reveals information that may be detrimental to the safety or positive development of young people, other volunteers, and/or Little League International.

Questions?

Overview

Many assume umpires work for Little League or NCLL, but they're independent volunteers who partner with us to keep games fair, safe, and fun. They DO NOT 'work' for coaches but rather work to create an independent, fun, tight-knit community of officials which fit perfectly into our NCLL community.

Umpires anchor every game—keeping it fair and moving. New or experienced, you get training, support, and mentorship to succeed behind the plate and on the bases.

Why Volunteer as an Umpire?

• Best seat in the house for every game
• Learn the game inside and out
• Optional stipends for your time
• Build confidence and decision-making skills
• Join a supportive community of fellow umpires

Great fit for parents, former players, or anyone who wants to stay close to the game.

What Umpires Do

• Call balls and strikes to keep the game fair
• Rule on plays at bases and in the field
• Maintain game flow and pace
• Watch for safety issues and rule violations
• Communicate calls and manage coach interactions

Time Commitment

• Games typically last 1.5-2 hours
• Most umpires work 1-3 games per week during the season (April-June)
• Flexible scheduling to fit your week

Training & Support

• Pre-season clinics (in-person and online)
• Mentorship from experienced umpires
• Rules clinics and ongoing development
• Protective gear provided by the league

Umpire Roles

On-Field Umpire

• Rotate between plate and base assignments
• Manage game tempo, enforce rules, communicate with coaches
• Apply clinic training and peer mentoring
• Model calm, confident decision-making
• Time commitment: 1-3 games per week (about 90 minutes each)

Umpire Coordinator(s)

• Schedule coverage and manage swaps
• Track availability, certifications, preferences
• Communicate rainouts and time changes
• Celebrate milestones (first plate job, perfect attendance)
• Time commitment: 3-4 hrs/week plus heavier pre-season planning

Primary point of contact for questions, assignments, and training updates.

Umpire in Chief

• Mentor the crew; keep mechanics sharp
• Run preseason mechanics and rules clinics
• Shadow new umpires and give real-time coaching
• Standardize interpretations across fields
• Time commitment: 4-6 hrs/week

Sets the standard for consistency and helps every umpire level up.

Ready to jump in? Visit NCLL's Reach Out page for umpires to see our training calendar, gear support, mentorship details, and how to get on the "Junta" registry for assignments.

Ad Hoc Heroes & Ground Gremlins

We've got two lists right now to tell you about.

1. Ad Hoc Heroes

The "Ad Hoc Heroes" come together and keep special events moving to create memorable moments for players and families all season.

Ad Hoc Heroes Opportunities

• Assessments - Field setup, registration
• Photo Day - Cat wrangling/herding

Ad Hoc Heroes Opportunities (Continued)

• Home Run Derby - Pitch, track, safety
• Skills Clinics - Station support, registration
• Fundraisers - Raffle sales, event setup
• End-of-Season Celebrations
• Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per event

Details

• Sign-up: We send email blasts before each event with volunteer needs and sign-up links
• Ready to pitch in for events? See the CTA's at the end of the card/tile.

2. Ground Gremlins

The "Ground Gremlins" are the field-first crew-keeping every diamond safe, beautiful, and game-ready.

What Ground Gremlins Do

• General upkeep - Weeding, raking, cleaning dugouts, emptying trash
• Field prep - Dragging infields, lining basepaths, setting bases before games
• Mound maintenance - Repairing pitcher's mounds, filling holes, packing clay

What Ground Gremlins Do (Continued)

• Time Commitment: Flexible! Watch out for scheduled work parties but most activations will come via text early Saturday mornings to get the fields ready for the day.
• Equipment care - Organizing storage sheds, maintaining field equipment
• Safety checks - Identifying hazards, reporting issues to field coordinator
• Seasonal projects - Spring field prep, end-of-season deep cleaning

Drop-in help: Even 15 minutes of raking between games makes a difference.

Let's fill up those lists! We'll send a message out, and if you can't make it, then maybe next time. Just get engaged!

Get Started

1. Search the database for your company. If not listed, go to step 2.
2. Ask your HR department if your company matches volunteer time with donations.
3. If your company has a program, submit your hours—many firms approve within a week.

Why It Matters

• Matching funds help pay for uniforms, player development, equipment, and more.
• Time literally is money—your hours, doubled in impact.

Questions or stuck in an HR portal? Let our experts walk you through it.

How to Help

• Employer Matching: Log your hours so companies can double the impact.
• Sponsorships: Connect us with local businesses for banners and gear.
• Gear & Field Donations: Rakes, chalk, tarps, and storage solutions keep fields game-ready.
• Services in Kind: Printing, design, photos, or trades (fence/paint/electrical).

Micro Tasks

• Print small-batch flyers or handouts for events.
• Help with quick website copy edits or proofreading.
• Drop in for 30 minutes to tidy sheds or dugouts.
• Share league posts on social to boost reach.

Get in Touch

Tell us how you’d like to help and we’ll plug you in fast.