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 here for your company. If not listed, go to step 2.
2. Ask your HR department if your company matches volunteer time with donations. Each company has its own process.
3. If your company has a program, submit your hours; many firms approve within a week.

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

Take Action

Complete the league's abuse awareness training annually (about 25-30 minutes) so you can spot concerns early.

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

How to Complete Yours

• Watch for the JDP/SafeSport invite email from the league (check spam).
• Submit the online form within 48 hours so we can clear you before practices.
• Use your legal name and the same email you registered with NCLL.
• Questions or missing invite? Email [email protected].
• Renewed every season; no fee to you.

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.