Southwest Portland Little League

Umpire Protocol

1. Game Schedule Changes/Cancellations/Field Changes/Make-Up Games
• E-mail Lisa the request (preferred), if it is early enough before the game. NOTE: If you don't receive an e-mail back, assume Lisa didn't get it and follow up with a phone call.
• If it is close to game time, a phone call is required. Call Lisa and she will contact the umpire(s) scheduled for your game.


2. Rules and Game Protocol Questions
• If not urgent, send e-mail to John.
• If urgent, call John first and use Lisa as a backup.
• If there is concern about umpire safety, attitude, or appropriateness, send e-mail with as much detail as possible.
• If a protest is requested, send e-mail and copy league president. Specifically state the rule being protested and provide as much detail as possible to support your position.


3. Game Coordinator (Rule 9.03.d) - An adult (18 years of age or older) is required to oversee the game as the official umpire in charge if there are no umpires at least 18 years umpiring the game. The scope of his/her duties are:
• Appointed before the game and be present for the duration of the game.
• Participate in the plate talk to monitor appropriate discussion and understand rules as explained to managers.
• Position themselves behind the backstop and with the scorekeepers. The goal is to be in ear shot of any and all comments directed towards the plate umpire and to be in a position to engage inappropriate behavior.
• Do not jump into anything immediately. Allow the umpire time to think and react. If that doesn't happen, or conflict erupts, or behavior becomes grossly inappropriate then engage the situation as necessary.
• Youth umpires will have clear instruction to ask for assistance if overwhelmed with a situation. Engage when asked. Be an active listener and allow the umpire to reach his/her own conclusion.
• Knowledge of game rules is not important to fulfill this role. The Game Coordinator must not participate in making calls on the field. It is appropriate to get a young umpire to verbalize what they saw and to ask questions to help focus the decision on observed facts.
  • “Did you hear anything abnormal?"
  • “Did you see chalk kick into the air?"
  • “Did the ball change direction unexpectedly?"
  • “Why?"
  These are all examples of appropriate questions to help focus.
• Has the authority to disqualify managers, coaches, and players, at his/her discretion, for vilation of sportsmanship, language, or gross deviation from rules as documented in the rule book.
• Has the authority to suspend play because of weather or fitness of the playing field. Will work with assigned umpires to determine when/if play should be resumed or rescheduled.


4. Important Things to Remember
• Umpires get reimbursed when they come to a came, whether the game is played or not.
• If all umpires present for the game are under 18 years of age AND an adult volunteer umpire is not appointed, the umpires are instructed to leave the game. They will be reimbursed because they met their obligation.
• Real life happens to all of us. Schedules prevent some games from being covered. Managers should be prepared to umpire their own games or appoint a qualified parent to call the game from behind the pitcher.
• Judgment calls belong 100% to the umpire. They can not be argued or protested.
• Remember to show respect to all game participants and fans. Expect the same in return.
• Some umpires are learning their responsibilities, just as players are learning. Give umpires the same consideration you would a player making a physical or mental error on the field.
• Expect umpires to show up on time, in uniform, and pay attention to the game. Cell phones, i-things, and other gadgets are not allowed on the field for anyone.