The CHLL 2014 Umpire Clinic for new and returning umpires is set for Saturday, February 22 at 12 noon.

This is a session for returning umpires, new umpires and even just those looking to fill the two umpiring assignments required from each team.  We have umpiring assignments all season for all skill levels, and with 34 teams, plenty of games and times to fit around your schedule.  The only ‘rules’ we follow are: you may not umpire your own child’s game, and team representatives may not umpire within their own division level. 

Our Umpire-in-Chief Roger Otterson and our veteran umpires will gather around Minor division practice games to get ready for the 2014 season.  Instead of just reading the rule book, we’ll rotate everyone through umpiring the bases and behind the plate (if you desire) and help each attendee understand and feel comfortable with the role and mechanics of being a CHLL umpire. 

We’ll help you get used to being an umpire during real game situations in a fun, no-pressure environment.  If you are interested in attending the session, please be at the score booth before noon and wear comfortable clothes and shoes. We’ll get in plenty of instruction and have lots of time for questions and answers.  We’ll also provide cold drinks for all who attend. If you have any questions, please email Roger at roger@sdnetweb.com or call him at (858) 224-2687.  

UMPIRE FAQ

Is there a minimum age or baseball experience required?
We generally start umpires at 14 years of age and only require that you have a ‘good’ knowledge of the game of baseball.  We’ll teach you the rules you’ll need to know and we expect umpires to put in some time reading the rules and asking enough questions of the veteran umpires to do the job right. 

Are umpires paid?
Beginning umpires work two games as a volunteer and then for any game above the initial two, your entire team can receive $1 CHLL snack bar tickets for the whole team (players only), or you can contribute your time as a volunteer (we really appreciate our volunteers!), or we pay umpires according to the level of game they umpire; starting at $17 a game.  Remember this is also a great opportunity for those in school that need to complete their hours of community service for graduation! 

How much time do I need to allow to umpire?
Weekday games start at 5PM. You should plan on arriving 20 minutes before the game, allow for about a two-hour game and then allow for about 20 minutes after the game to finish up and to sign out. We also provide all umpires with a basic meal (hot dog and a soda/beverage) after each game. Weekend Games will start anywhere between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.  Most games have a two-hour time limit.

How often will I work?
If you are a regular umpire, we will try to schedule you for one or two games (or more) a week, per your availability. If you are a team umpire volunteer, we’ll work with you to get your two game requirement in around your schedule.  Remember, the team umpire representatives do NOT need to be a manager or coach of the team. Also, umpires 18 or older that have not completed a volunteer application – must complete and turn one in (no cost) before they can be on the field.  

This year, we’ll need to fill 40-50 umpire positions a week.  It’s an important job that allows our 400 players to play Little League baseball all spring. We really do appreciate your volunteering and getting out of the stands and on to the field to help Clairemont Hilltoppers Little League in 2014!