For Youth (Ages 12–17) and Adult Umpires

Welcome to the official umpire resource page for our league. This page is designed to help you feel prepared, confident, and supported every time you step on the field.

Our Mission as Little League Umpires

Youth Umpires (Ages 12–17)

Your Responsibilities

• Arrive on time, dressed properly, and ready to umpire
• Know the basic rules for your division
• Hustle to get into position and make confident calls
• Ask for help when you are unsure
• Treat players, coaches, and fans with respect

Youth Umpire DOs

• DO take your time before making a call
• DO ask your mentor or UIC for help
• DO stay calm and focused
• DO stop play if something feels unsafe
• DO remember one call does not define you

Youth Umpire DON’Ts

• DON’T argue with coaches or parents
• DON’T engage with fans
• DON’T guess—get help if unsure
• DON’T rush because people are yelling
• DON’T hesitate to pause the game and ask for support

Adult Umpires

Your Role

Adult umpires are leaders and mentors. You set the tone for the game and help youth umpires succeed.

Adult Umpire DOs

• DO model calm, professional behavior
• DO protect and support youth umpires
• DO handle difficult situations with coaches or parents
• DO enforce rules consistently
• DO step in early to prevent problems

Adult Umpire DON’Ts

• DON’T allow youth umpires to be questioned or harassed
• DON’T undermine another umpire on the field
• DON’T argue calls publicly
• DON’T ignore unsafe or unsportsmanlike behavior

Umpire CANs and CAN’Ts (All Umpires)

You CAN:

• Ask questions
• Get help from a mentor or the UIC
• Slow the game down
• Admit when clarification is needed
• Learn from mistakes

You CAN’T:

• Argue with fans
• Ignore safety concerns
• Let emotions control your calls
• Continue play if a situation feels unsafe

Who Does What on Game Day

Game Coordinator (GC)

• Ensures a safe and respectful environment
• Monitors spectator behavior
• Addresses parent or fan issues
• Supports umpires, especially youth umpires
• If there is no adult umpire assigned to or present at the game there MUST be a designated GC, the GC must attend the plate conference and remain present the entire game.

Umpires do not argue with fans. If fans are an issue, stop play and request the Game Coordinator.

Umpire Team Roles

Plate Umpire

• Controls the game
• Calls balls and strikes
• Conducts the pre-game plate conference
• Manages pace of play

Base Umpire

• Covers plays on the bases
• Moves with the play
• Supports the plate umpire

Run Rules (By Division)

• Tee Ball (Baseball and Softball): No Run Rule
  
  
• IR through Majors Division:  15+ after 3 innings; 10 after 4th inning or 8 after 5th inning
  
  
• Softball: Intermediate, Advanced and Juniors:  15+ after 3 innings; 10 after 4th inning or 8 after 5th inning

Youth umpires: If a coach questions a run rule, calmly state the rule and refer them to the UIC after the game.

Pre-Game Plate Conference

Checklist

• Confirm lineups
• Review run rules and time limits
• Confirm substitutions and courtesy runners
• Review ground rules
• Set sportsmanship expectations

Plate Conference Script

Protests – What You Need to Know

What CAN Be Protested

• Misapplication of a rule
• Eligibility issues (handled by league officials)

What CANNOT Be Protested

• Judgment calls (balls/strikes, safe/out)
• Umpire discretion

How a Protest Is Filed (Team Manager only)

1. Coach must notify the plate umpire before the next pitch or play
2. The situation is documented
3. The UIC and league leadership are notified
4. The game continues under protest if directed

Need Help on Game Day?

Umpire-in-Chief: Lamont Ruffin
Mobile: 984-209-0448
Email: umpire@lsll.org