What do I need before I can umpire Little League games?
Rule- USA
- Little League Baseball
- Major Division
- League age 9-12
- 12 and under
- Regular season
- 2026 rules
- Umpires
- Appointment: all managers, coaches and umpires must be appointed by the league president and approved by the board of directors (Regulation I). A spectator can't be pulled in to umpire without that.
- Background check: every year, through JDP using the Little League volunteer application. It covers the National Criminal Database, National Sex Offender Registry, the U.S. Center for SafeSport disciplinary database and the Little League ineligible list.
- Abuse Awareness course: required every year for all volunteers.
- Training: Little League's online Umpire Training Course covers working the plate and bases, what to call and how, and the "Rules to Know."
Keep a rulebook (or the free Little League Rulebook App) in your vehicle to check after the game, rather than on your person during it.
Updated 21 Oct 2026