North Central Umpire Program

Umpiring is a high-impact way to support every player on the field. 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 jump straight to the steps, resources, and people who will help you get behind the plate.

Already on the crew? Bookmark this page for quick access to sign-ups, safety forms, and mentoring options, and pass it along to any parents or teens who are curious about trying umpire work.

Choose your next step

Start here so we can run the Little League-required background check and keep you in the communication loop.

Register & Background Check card art
  • Time: 3-5 minutes online
  • Cost: Free background check (covered by NCLL)
  • Need help? Email safety@ncllball.com

What to have ready

  • Full legal name, birth date, and current address for the JDP screening.
  • DriverΓÇÖs license/state ID to speed up verification.
  • Best email and mobile number so we can share scheduling updates.

Next confirmation

YouΓÇÖll receive an email when your clearance is complete along with links to Little League's Abuse Awareness training. This is mandated by LLI and must be completed annually by every volunteer.

Little League requires every on-field volunteer to annually complete the Abuse Awareness course.

Abuse Awareness Training art
  • Time: ~20ΓÇô25 minutes
  • Frequency: Every calendar year
  • Deadline: Prior to first practice/game
  • Who: Managers, coaches, umpires, on-field helpers, board/key volunteers
  • Proof: Logged automatically by LLI

How to complete

  1. Open the Little League University course and sign in or create an account.
  2. Click Enroll/Register for ΓÇ£Abuse Awareness TrainingΓÇ¥ (top of the course page).
  3. If asked, search for North Central Little League.
  4. Watch the modules, review the readings, and answer the quick checks.
  5. Finish the end-of-course quiz to record completion; you're doneΓÇöno uploads needed.

Reminders

  • Deadline: before your first practice/game; renew every year.
  • Scope: managers, coaches, umpires, on-field helpers, board/key volunteers.
  • Technical issues? Use LLU Help/Support or try a fresh browser tab or incognito mode.
  • Stay sharp: revisit key indicators mid-season.
  • Required by LLI: recognize/report abuse and keep every field safe.

Walkthrough video

Start the Training

Let us know you're interested so we can plug you into the Google Group, text alerts, and mentor pairings.

Meet the Coordinator card art
  • What you get: Training invites, quick tips, game alerts
  • Channels: Email + SMS + on-field meetups
  • Response time: Usually same-day during the season

What to include

  • Your experience level (brand-new, returning, high-school certified, etc.).
  • Preferred divisions or age groups so we can line up the right partner.
  • Any dates youΓÇÖre unavailable during the next month for training or games.

Coordinators triage requests nightly during the season. If you donΓÇÖt 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.

Training & Clinics card art
  • When: Preseason weekends + in-season refreshers
  • Format: Plate and base mechanics, live reps, Q&A
  • Bring: Mask (if you have one) + water + notebook

Clinic lineup

  • Mechanics labs: Plate stance, slot adjustments, timing drills.
  • Live reps: Scrimmage innings with radios to simulate game flow.
  • Rules sprints: Lightning rounds on interference, substitutions, and pace-of-play.
  • Orientation night: Preseason walkthrough of expectations, safety, and game flow.

Mentors are assigned on-site, so tap a veteran if you want shadow assignments or feedback on a specific mechanic.

Quick-reference guides and drills to stay sharp between clinics.

What you get

  • Plate meeting checklist and lineup card template.
  • Positioning/rotation guides for one- and two-umpire systems.
  • Signals, timing, and substitution cheat sheets.

Field status, lightning protocol, and how to handle postponements.

Quick checks

  • Watch league rainout alerts before leaving home.
  • Use the 30/30 lightning rule; stop play on unsafe surfaces.
  • Report rainouts to the scheduler and reply quickly for makeups.
Report Weather/Field Issue

Grab assignments that match your division comfort level. We post baseball, softball, and interleague needs.

Game Sign-ups card art
  • Scheduler: Updated weekly during spring
  • Levels: Rookie through Teen divisions
  • Tip: Claim early to pair with your preferred partner

Signup tips

  • Note plate/base preferences in the comment field so schedulers can balance workloads.
  • Flag travel or interleague dates that require extra briefing on ground rules.
  • Use the same form to release a game if plans change—last-minute swaps keep coverage solid.

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.

Youth Umpire Track card art
  • Who: League-age 13+ with solid rules knowledge
  • Support: On-field mentors + pregame checklists
  • Perks: Stipends, letters of recommendation, resume boost

Program highlights

  • Shadow first, then take the plate with a veteran tracking feedback.
  • Earn per-game stipends once you complete mechanics and safety modules.
  • WeΓÇÖll document hours for service requirements or leadership awards.

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.

Gear, Safety & Rules card art
  • Downloads: Positioning guides, lineup card template
  • Safety: Lightning protocol + incident report links
  • Gear: Loaner sets available on request

WhatΓÇÖs inside

  • Printable cheat sheets for plate meetings, lineup card checks, and substitution flow.
  • Equipment sizing tips plus how to borrow chest protectors, masks, or ball bags.
  • Direct links to Little LeagueΓÇÖs concussion, lightning, and incident-report forms.
  • NCLL safety policy and local guidelines (email safety@ncllball.com for the latest PDF).

Loaner gear lives at Ross; email the coordinator 24 hours ahead if you need to reserve a set for a double-header.

Still deciding?

Visit our Becoming an Umpire guide for a step-by-step walkthrough, or reach out directly via the coordinator link above. WeΓÇÖre happy to pair you with a mentor, loan you gear, and help you take your first plate.