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Ross Valley Little League Youth Umpire Program

Ross Valley Little League employs boys and girls of at least 12 years of age (League Age) as umpires for its Minor and Major league games.

This is an exceptional opportunity for young people who know and love the game of baseball to gain experience in a position of responsibility and work at their first real paying job.

RVLL umpires are compensated for their services, and thus are expected to approach their role as professionals. They are required to arrive at the field 1/2 hour before the scheduled game time, and in their role as umpire, they are in charge of making sure all rules are adhered to both prior to and during the game. As umpires, they have the final ruling on all aspects of the game. They are in charge!

It's Not Just a Job, It's an Adventure

This is a real job! At least 2 teams of 12 -14 players each plus coaches and their families have been working and practicing all week to be ready by game time. When they arrive for the game, there are at least 50 or more people on the field and in the stands relying on the umpires to be ready to start the game and conduct it in a fair and competent manor. If the umpires don't show up or are late and unprepared, the game cannot start on time and many people will be disappointed and inconvenienced.

Like any job, your punctuality and performance on the field will dictate future assignments and thus effect your ability to gain experience and improve your skills. The more experience, skill and ability you show as an umpire, the more assignments you will receive. In this way, it is very much like a real job.

First Year Umpiring

RVLL uses two umpires per game, a base umpire and a plate umpire. Typically, all first year umpires start with no previous experience and will be assigned as base umpires in the minors. During the first half of the season, we will make sure that everyone gets at least one game. During the second half, we will start working people up into plate assignments and possibly Majors base assignments where the rules permit.

The Schedule

As we all know, RVLL is a volunteer organization. Scheduling umpires is one of the most time consuming activities there is. Helping the volunteers in this effort by showing up prepared, when and where you are assigned, will not go unnoticed.

We typically play at least a dozen games per week and need to schedule and keep track of more than 24 umpires each and every week. As previously mentioned, if one of those umpires forgets, goes missing or decides to go skiing at the last minute, it throws a well oiled operation into a bit of a panic. Do not let this happen to you - your umpiring career will be short lived.

On the other hand, those that can be consistently relied upon to show up on time, take charge, act professionally and perform to a high standard will receive more assignments.

Training and Requirements

  1. All umpires are required to attend 3 MANDATORY training sessions given by the District prior to opening day. Dates will be posted.
  2. Thorough knowledge and command of the rules of baseball are essential. We recommend you read and study the Little League's "2011 Baseball Official Regulations and Playing Rules". Click here to order a copy or contact the league Umpire-In-Chief for more information. Also check the Little League Website at this address for more info on rules and special situations.
  3. RVLL players and former players are given priority.

Eligibility

  1. First year umpires with no previous experience are only assigned to Minor League games at bases. They will be worked up to plate assignments during the second half of the season based on desire, initial performance and comfort behind the plate.
  2. Majors players are not allowed to umpire in the Majors and their assignments will be confined to Minor League games.
  3. Conflicts - Umpires are not allowed to umpire games in which siblings or other family members are playing or coaching. Due to the complexity of tracking this, we rely on individual umpires and coaches to self-police this restriction.

Payment

Starting pay is $18 per game for base umpires and $20 per game for plate umpires. The pay is increased with each year of experience within the league.