For a child, seeing an umpire suited up behind the plate is a memorable part of the Little League experience—and NCLL is lucky to have some of the best in the game (Not hyperbole but facts.).
Our program pairs new and veteran officials, offers hands-on training, and makes it simple to pick up games that fit your schedule. Use the cards below to register, connect with coordinators, and find resources.
It may not seem obvious at first, but being an umpire is a rewarding experience. Listen to these current umpires about how they came to get involved and what it means to them.
Start here so we can run the annual Little League-required background check and keep you in the communication loop.
All NCLL volunteers who interact with players must complete a background check each season. This helps ensure a safe environment for every participant and aligns with Little League policy and applicable law.
Do not forward background check results. NCLL is notified electronically when you complete the process.
Little League requires every on-field volunteer to annually complete the Abuse Awareness course.
No uploads needed—completion recorded automatically.
Remember, if something feels off, speak up: email safety@ncllball.com or your division coordinator; call 911 for emergencies.
Let us know you're interested so we can plug you into the Google Group, text alerts, and mentor pairings.
Coordinators triage requests nightly during the season. If you don't see a response within 48 hours, feel free to bump the thread or text the contact listed in the form.
Level up with cage work, positioning walkthroughs, and rules refreshers led by veteran NCLL umpires.
Orientation and rules sessions are typically held at Pacific Medical Centers - Northgate. Field mechanics sessions are typically at Lower Woodland 3.
We will post confirmed dates once the UIC shares the schedule.
Mentors are assigned on-site, so tap a veteran if you want shadow assignments or feedback on a specific mechanic.
Quick-reference guides, rules clinics, and mechanics resources to stay sharp between trainings.
Field status, lightning protocol, and how to handle postponements.
Play must stop immediately when lightning or thunder is detected. Everyone should shelter in a substantial building (electrical/plumbing preferred) or a hard-topped metal vehicle. Dugouts, sheds, and small outdoor structures are not safe. Resume only after 30 minutes with no lightning.
If the City of Seattle determines fields are unsafe to play on, practices or games scheduled on those fields cannot be held. Even if the City of Seattle does not close the fields, team managers and league officials may decide fields are unplayable in advance of play.
Once a game begins, the chief umpire is solely empowered to halt play if conditions are unsafe. Lightning in the area is cause for immediate suspension of play, regardless of field conditions.
Subscribe to the parks email alerts. You’ll get two updates on weekdays (around 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM).
If the City of Seattle determines fields are unsafe, scheduled practices or games cannot be held. Even if the City does not close fields, team managers and league officials may decide fields are unplayable in advance of play. If your field is listed, it is officially closed and you should expect a closure sign at the field.
In grey areas, use good judgment and be honest. Work with the opposing coach and answer:
Please use your best judgment; our relationship with Parks matters.
Note: The Parks Department hotline is not updated on weekends. If fields are unsafe, the only indication may be a posted closure sign, which is unusual. On weekends, field playability is usually at the discretion of managers or league officials.
An informal Google Group of managers and umpires often shares updates. To join, email the Umpire Coordinator.
Grab assignments that match your division comfort level. We post baseball, softball, and interleague needs.
Need a specific mentor? Add their name to the request so we can co-assign whenever possible.
Middle-school and high-school players can earn stipends, log service hours, and build leadership skills.
Parents/guardians sign the stipend form once per season; coordinators handle the rest.
Find printable cheat sheets, plate gear recommendations, concussion protocols, and incident reporting tools.
Loaner gear lives at Ross; email the coordinator 24 hours ahead if you need to reserve a set for a double-header.
Visit our Becoming an Umpire guide for a step-by-step walkthrough, or reach out directly via the coordinator link above. We're happy to pair you with a mentor, loan you gear, and help you take your first plate.
