OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF
COMPTON LITTLE LEAGUE
UMPIRES
Learn the Game. Make the Call.
THE GAME NEEDS UMPIRES
Make the Call. Be Part of the Game.
Umpires are an essential part of every Little League® game. They help ensure that games are played safely, fairly and according to the rules while setting an example of sportsmanship, confidence and respect on the field.
Compton Little League welcomes adults and youth interested in becoming umpires, whether they have previous experience or are stepping behind the plate for the first time. Training and support help new umpires learn the rules, positioning, mechanics and game-management skills needed to make calls with confidence.
Umpiring is also a meaningful way to serve the community while developing leadership, decision-making and a deeper understanding of baseball and softball.
You do not need to know everything before you begin. You need a willingness to learn, prepare and make the call.
KNOW THE ROLE. MAKE THE CALL.
BECOME AN UMPIRE
Step onto the Field. Become Part of the Game.
Compton Little League welcomes adults and youth who are interested in becoming baseball or softball umpires. Previous umpiring experience is helpful, but it is not required to get started. New umpires can learn through training, instruction and experience on the field.
Umpires are responsible for much more than calling balls, strikes, safe and out. They help manage the game, apply Little League® rules, promote sportsmanship and maintain an orderly and safe playing environment for everyone involved.
Prospective umpires should be willing to learn the rules, attend applicable training, develop proper positioning and mechanics, and accept assignments appropriate to their experience and ability. New umpires can build their skills progressively rather than being expected to handle advanced games immediately.
Adult umpires serving Compton Little League must also complete the volunteer requirements applicable to their role before working games involving players.
Whether you are an experienced umpire returning to the field or someone interested in making your first call, Compton Little League welcomes your interest in joining the umpire team.
UMPIRE RESOURCES
LITTLE LEAGUE® — UMPIRE INFORMATION →
LITTLE LEAGUE® — UMPIRE REGISTRY →
COMPTON LITTLE LEAGUE — UMPIRE INTEREST FORM → Online umpire registration will be activated once the Compton Little League Sports Connect account is active.
YOUTH UMPIRES
Learn the Game from a New Perspective.
Compton Little League’s Youth Umpire Program gives older youth an opportunity to become involved in the game in a new role while developing leadership, confidence, responsibility and a stronger understanding of baseball and softball.
Youth umpires will receive instruction in the rules of the game, proper positioning, signals, mechanics and the responsibilities that come with officiating. They will begin with assignments appropriate to their age, training and experience and can progress to more challenging assignments as their skills develop.
Youth umpires will not be expected to learn the role on their own. They will receive guidance and mentoring from experienced adult umpires, particularly during their initial assignments, while developing the confidence and independence needed to make their own decisions on the field.
Compton Little League will coordinate with California District 37 umpire leadership to identify available clinics, instructional resources and other development opportunities that can help our youth umpires build their skills and gain experience.
Serving as an umpire teaches young people to remain focused, communicate clearly, make decisions under pressure and treat players, coaches and spectators fairly and respectfully.
You can play the game — and learn how to make the call.
YOUTH UMPIRE RESOURCES
UMPIRE TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
Get Trained. Build Confidence. Be Ready to Officiate.
Effective umpiring requires more than knowing baseball or softball. Umpires must understand Little League® rules, positioning, mechanics, signals, game management and safety responsibilities before taking responsibility for games.
Compton Little League umpires will receive or be directed to appropriate training before receiving game assignments. New umpires will begin with the fundamentals, while returning and experienced umpires can continue developing their skills through additional instruction, clinics and on-field experience.
Training may include plate and base mechanics, positioning, strike-zone fundamentals, fair and foul decisions, safe and out calls, substitutions, game situations, communication with managers and coaches, and procedures for maintaining control of the game.
Compton Little League intends to work closely with California District 37 umpire leadership to connect our umpires with available clinics, instruction and other umpire-development opportunities.
Training is not simply something to complete before the first game. Umpires are expected to continue learning and improving as they gain experience on the field.
Good umpiring develops through training, practice and experience.
UMPIRE TRAINING RESOURCES
LITTLE LEAGUE® — UMPIRE TRAINING →
RULES & MECHANICS
Know the Rule. Master the Mechanics.
Good umpiring depends on both knowing the rules and being in the right position to apply them. Umpires must understand the Little League® rules applicable to the division they are officiating and develop the mechanics needed to observe plays clearly and make confident decisions.
Umpire mechanics include positioning behind the plate and on the bases, movement during live play, signals, communication between members of the umpire crew and proper procedures for handling different game situations. These fundamentals help umpires work together and maintain consistency throughout the game.
Rules can vary by division and level of play. Umpires should use the official Little League® Rules, Regulations & Policies resources to review current playing-rule information, rule changes, clarifications and other guidance applicable to their assignments. Compton Little League will work directly with California District 37 umpire leadership to help umpires understand the rules and procedures that apply to the divisions they officiate.
When questions arise during a game, umpires are responsible for applying the rules impartially and professionally. Calls should be made based on what occurs on the field—not on reactions from players, coaches or spectators.
Know the rule. Get in position. Trust what you see. Make the call.
RULES & MECHANICS RESOURCES
LITTLE LEAGUE® — RULES, REGULATIONS & POLICIES →
LITTLE LEAGUE® — RULE CHANGES & CLARIFICATIONS →
GAME ASSIGNMENTS
Be Prepared. Be on Time. Be Ready to Work.
Umpire assignments help ensure that games are properly staffed and that officials are matched with games appropriate to their training and experience. Compton Little League will coordinate umpire assignments as game schedules are established for the season.
Assignments may take into account the division, level of play, umpire experience and availability. New and youth umpires may begin with appropriate introductory assignments while developing the skills and confidence needed for more advanced games.
Umpires are expected to arrive with sufficient time to prepare before the game, wear appropriate umpire attire and equipment, and be ready to perform their assigned plate or base responsibilities.
If an umpire cannot fulfill an accepted assignment, they should notify the appropriate league umpire contact as soon as possible so that a replacement can be arranged. Umpires should not independently transfer assignments without league coordination.
Specific scheduling procedures and umpire contact information will be provided once Compton Little League's game scheduling and assignment system is active.
Accept the assignment. Prepare for the game. Be there when the players take the field.
GAME ASSIGNMENT RESOURCES
LITTLE LEAGUE® — UMPIRE INFORMATION →
COMPTON LITTLE LEAGUE — UMPIRE ASSIGNMENTS → Game assignments and scheduling information will be available once league scheduling is activated.
UMPIRE RESOURCES
Keep Learning. Keep Improving.
Umpiring is a skill that develops with preparation, instruction and experience. Compton Little League umpires are encouraged to use the training materials and resources provided by Little League® to strengthen their knowledge throughout the season.
Little League provides umpire resources covering baseball and softball rules, mechanics, positioning, signals, game management and common game situations. These materials can help new umpires build a foundation and give experienced officials a convenient way to review and refine their skills.
Umpires can also join the Little League® Umpire Registry, which provides access to additional information, training opportunities and communications specifically for Little League umpires.
The best umpires never stop learning the game.
UMPIRE RESOURCES
LITTLE LEAGUE® — UMPIRE INFORMATION →
LITTLE LEAGUE® — UMPIRE TRAINING →
LITTLE LEAGUE® — UMPIRE REGISTRY →
LITTLE LEAGUE® — RULES, REGULATIONS & POLICIES →
CALIFORNIA DISTRICT 37 UMPIRE CONTACT
For information about District 37 umpire training, clinics and other umpire-development opportunities:
Scott Tomlinson
District 37 Umpire-in-Chief
Email: scott_tomlinson@hotmail.com
Phone: (424) 259-1516