Umpires

Men, Women, Boys, and Girls are eligible to learn to be a SOLL umpire. SOLL provides training and equipment. This is a great way to earn some extra money and have fun doing it.

South Ottawa Little League is particularly in need of adult umpires (18+ years).

Applicants who play in SOLL cannot umpire in the same division in which they play, nor in divisions higher than their age category. Applicants must be 13 years old or over by May 1 in order to qualify.

Interested 12 year olds should submit an information sheet and if positions are available they may be accepted. Preference will be given to applicants with umpiring or playing experience.

The game schedule is emailed to umpires every two weeks. Umpires are to select their desired games and send it back asap. A finalized schedule will be sent out to confirm. Games are allocated on a first come, first served basis. We plan on scheduling umpires for games as far ahead as we can but obviously that may not always be possible. We understand that you are very busy with other commitments such as school, work, or sporting activities yourselves so we will certainly try to work around your schedules and would appreciate your cooperation in this regard. You cannot umpire in divisions where you are a player, nor in divisions higher than your age.

Should a game be cancelled because of bad weather we will contact you by 5:00pm for games that start at 6:00pm. If you do not hear from us by 5:15pm, the game is on. If we have tried to contact you and have been unsuccessful with the numbers you’ve provided and you show up to a game that has been cancelled you will not be paid. If you have not heard from us (so game is on) and you have to cancel the game at the field you will be paid.

Umpiring is eligible service for volunteer hours. Anyone who wishes to do so should have their game sheet signed as usual, and submit along with their volunteer paperwork to the treasurer for signature.

Rates: $20 per game for Coach Pitch, Minors, and Majors; $25 for Juniors, $30 for Seniors, and $35 for Big League. If you are on your own at a game, your payment will increase by $5.

How to Get Paid: Complete the umpire game sheet voucher and have it signed at the end of the game by a coach or scorekeeper. Mail or deliver your game sheet voucher to umpire scheduler Redwan Seid at 1967 Jasper Avenue Ottawa K1V 0X9 (mailbox on porch). Redwan will verify and forward to our treasurer who will mail cheques according to the following schedule:

Umpire equipment is kept at the fields in the green boxes. Coaches have keys and will open the boxes. You will find a chest protector, face mask and set of shin pads. If the chest protector is too small, there is also a balloon. Make sure you take time to tighten it properly, safety is of prime importance.

We provide a brush, bag and indicator to all new umpires. Returning umpires should still have these items, if not new ones can be purchased from any sporting goods store at a reasonable price. We will provide hats for new umpires and to returning umpires who need them.

We suggest you wear a black or navy golf shirt with your patch sewed onto it. If you are interested in acquiring an umpires jersey (usually for higher divisons or game levels), please contact the umpire in chief.

Our league expects all coaches, players, and fans to treat umpires with respect. This means no yelling, intimidating or criticizing calls. It does happen that people get carried away with their emotions when they disagree with an umpire´s calls. Even when an umpire makes a mistake, they are still not justified. An umpire should do his or her best to ignore such remarks and maintain confidence. Should the situation need to be addressed, the umpire should contact the umpire in chief after the game or use the rules in place to address it during the game.

This year Little League has implemented a new role called game controller. An adult is required to be on hand and functioning in this role where the umpire behind the plate is under age 18. He or She will identify themselves to you prior to the game starting. Usually they will be the team coordinator of the home team. In instances where you may need some friendly support, they will be there to do so. They will be briefed on basic rules, mainly those that involve how to handle coaches, players or fans who are being unreasonable. But, they are not meant to overtake the game or your authority. We truly hope you will never need to call on this person and that everyone involved will maintain proper decorum. In the event that you need them, they will be there. This is a new role, so keep that in mind as we all get used to it.

It is important to know the rules. South Ottawa´s house league rules can be accessed on our website. In addition Little League rule books are provided to all umpires at the clinic or from the umpire in chief. Visit our website for links to Fair Ball - a free newsletter for umpires. You may consider a membership in Little League’s Baseball Umpire registry.

For umpiring questions, for example to clarify rules, equipment, dress code or procedures please contact the Umpire In Chief. For questions related to scheduling or payment please contact the Umpire Scheduler.

Every umpire is required to attend a clinic each year in the spring. The 2012 Umpire Clinic is being held on Saturday April 14. For details and registration information please click here.

Umpires are divided into Level I and Level II.

• Level I: Under 16 years of age or over 16 and new. May umpire games on max 60' diamonds.
• Level II: Over age 16 with a minimum of two years umpiring experience. Recommendation from Umpire in Chief also required.