Bow Ridge Little League Umpire Program
Umpiring in our league
The
Traditional Umpire Program trains and employs any new and returning youth or adult to officiate games in the Minor, Major, Junior and Big League divisions. If you choose to try umpiring, BRLL will work with you to develop your skills. But you alone are responsible for learning the rules of the game and applying those rules and skills in game situations. You will be observed, evaluated, and offered pointers and things to work on. You will be expected to constantly learn and improve.
Plate and base umpires are assigned based upon seniority and skill level and may only umpire games in divisions approved by the Umpire in Chief (UIC). Over time successful umpires are rewarded with promotions in rank, increased pay, and opportunities to umpire in higher leagues. All umpires must complete one year of successful base umpiring before they are able to be selected to work behind the plate.
Officiating is not for everybody but if your personality and nature are suited for the challenge, umpiring in BRLL can be a very rewarding experience.
Bow Ridge Little League also has a unique
Youth Umpire Program that trains and employs new and returning umpires (ages 11 - 18) and their Parent (or other adult) to officiate games in our Minor, Major, Junior and Big League divisions. The youth/parent umpire pairings are assigned for each game; with a plate ump and a field ump. Typically the Parent Umpire works games behind the plate, while their son/daughter works the bases. This provides on-field training and support for youth umpires as they develop their skills. After 1 year of successful base umpiring and with Umpire In Chief (UIC) approval, Youth Umpires may qualify to work games behind the plate with their Parent Umpire on the bases, or with any other qualified Umpires.
For many kids, BRLLB’s umpiring program is their first real job. As with any job, there are many important responsibilities our umpires must assume. These include:
· Showing up on time, taking charge of a game, and creating an environment for kids to have fun playing baseball.
· Learning, interpreting, and enforcing the rules of the game.
· Making quick, accurate decisions and standing by those decisions.
· Balancing umpire job commitments with school, baseball playing, and other activities
· Keeping a schedule and records of games umpired, and communicating any concerns, questions, and problems to umpiring program supervisors in a timely manner.
Why choose BRLLB to Umpire?
· Training provided by Little League District 3 and paid for by BRLL
· Provided with all necessary umpiring equipment and receive an official Little League umpiring shirt and hat to keep.
· Paid according to their level of experience. On the field pay rates range from $25 per game for beginning umpires in the Minors division to $35 per game for our most experienced umpires in the Minors, Majors, Juniors and Big League divisions.
Program Requirements
Candidates for both the BRLL Youth Umpire Program and Traditional Umpire Program must be willing and able to meet the following requirements:
- Attend Pre-Season Training. Umpires must attend certification or a pre-season training. For the 2016 Spring Season the session will be held April 9th,16th (Must attend both to become certified)
- Attend Midseason Training. The dates for these sessions will be determined during the season.
- Be Available to Umpire. Umpires must be ready and willing to umpire at least once per week during the season.
- File Game Reports. Umpires must file game reports within 2 days of an assignment.
Questions
If you have any questions concerning the BRLLB Umpire Program, please contact BRLLB Umpire In Chief (UIC) at
UIC@bowridgebaseball.ca
Umpire Application
Anyone wishing to umpire this season, please select the Umpire Program button during registration or contact the UIC at
UIC@bowridgebaseball.ca
Frequently Asked Questions
I am only available to umpire certain days of the week. Is the umpire scheduling flexible?
Yes. Many of our umpires play on teams themselves or have other activities on certain days of the week. The BRLL Umpire Coordinator depends on you to inform him when you are available to umpire. You are expected to inform the coordinator of your availability for any particular week at least 7 days in advance of that week.
Do I wear an umpire uniform?
Yes. Umpires will be issued an umpire shirt and cap. They must be worn at all games you umpire. In cold weather, a black or dark blue windbreaker or sweatshirt can be worn under the umpire shirt. An umpire will also wear his/her own dark blue, black or grey long pants (not sweats or shorts). All pants must be worn with a belt (so you can put on the ball bag). You should wear dark shoes (dark colored running shoes are fine). Umpires who regularly work multiple games per week may be issued a second shirt.
What kind of equipment do I wear?
Plate umpires will be wearing hockey-style helmets that protect the top and back of the head. Balloon-style chest protectors and small, medium, and large shin guards are available at all the fields. All umpire gear is stored in large “Umpire Use Only” equipment bags in the field boxes.
Will I get yelled at?
BRLL coaches will never treat you like you sometimes see umpires get treated on TV. Every BRLL player, coach and parent is expected to treat officials with respect. The official Little League rules of play require managers to act respectfully toward the umpires. Further they are responsible for making sure their players, coaches, and fans act in the same manner. If these rules are violated the BRLL Board can and will suspend a player, coach, or fan from games.
When do I get paid?
One check that covers all the games you umpire will be issued to you by BRLL each month based on information compiled by the BRLL umpire coordinator. This is why sending a game report after every game you umpire is very important. It creates a record of your work for the umpire coordinator. After the season ends the coordinator will send you a summary of his records concerning all the games you umpired. You will review it and make any needed corrections.
Thanks for considering umpiring with BRLLB!
Ryan Clements
UIC
Bow Ridge Little League
UIC@bowridgebaseball.ca 