Be a WMLL umpire!!

Working as a WMLL umpire is a great way to make money while experiencing the game in a new way, having fun & helping WMLL!  If you’re interested in this exciting opportunity, please read the information below and in the WMLL Umpire Manual, then apply via the link at the bottom of the page.

Eligibility

To be eligible to umpire at WMLL, you must meet the following criteria:

  1. you must be 12 years-old or older as of August 30, 2023 to umpire spring/summer games & as of August 30, 2024 to umpire fall games
  2. you must have successfully completed the umpire training required by WMLL (see below)
  3. you do not need to be a current of former WMLL player to be an umpire
  4. Umpires age 18 & older must undergo a background check

Training

WMLL requires all new umpires to attend training before they are allowed to take a game.

SPRING/SUMMER SEASON

  • 1st and 2nd year umpires are required to attend at least two training sessions
    • Session 1:  Sunday March 12th from Noon to 1:50pm at Edgewood High School’s Krantz Center gym (downstairs)
    • Session 2: Sunday March 19th from 4:00pm to 6:00pm Edgewood High School’s Krantz Center gym (downstairs)
    • Session 3 (refresher / make-up): Sunday April 16th from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at West Madison Little League fields

FALL SEASON

    • TBD

Pay

The pay rates for the 2023 spring/summer & fall seasons are as follows (see the WMLL umpire manual for additional details):

  • In the spring/summer season, an umpire working alone receives 1.5x the regular rate and is required to be the home plate umpire.
    • NOTE: If a parent serves as an umpire, the parent should work the bases (assuming there is one paid umpire who can do the plate.) The parent does not receive pay & the plate ump does not receive 1.5x the regular rate.
  • An umpire whose game is cancelled at the field before it begins (e.g., sudden rain, forfeit) gets half the regular rate if they were at the field and ready to work the assigned game when it was canceled.
  • An umpire who starts a game which is suspended for any reason receives full pay.
  • An umpire who later completes a suspended game receives full pay.

Game Selection & Attendance

Umpires select their own games to work via WMLL’s online Arbiter scheduling system (within established limits).  Umpires should arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled game time and must have on all equipment and be ready to start the game at the scheduled time.  If an umpire fails to show up for a scheduled game, they have 48 hours to provide a credible reason.  Failure to do so will result in a restriction on that umpire’s ability to sign up to umpire games in the future.

Uniform & Equipment

Umpires must dress appropriately and look professional – including wearing an official WMLL Umpire shirt (available at the concession stand for $5) & closed toe shoes. Male umpires must also wear a protective cup when working behind the plate.  All other protective equipment (mask, chest protectors, and shin guards) will be provided for use at games by WMLL. Umpires must bring their own ball/strike counter (available at the concessions stand for $4), watch, and pencil or pen to every game & must pick up a game card in the concession stand before heading to their field.

Understanding Rules & Safety Plan

Umpires must be familiar with all the rules that apply to any league in which they are umpiring and should review the appropriate league rules before each game and have a copy with them at each game.  They should also be familiar with WMLL’s safety plan.

Application

Anyone meeting the eligibility requirements, may apply to be an umpire (Click Here), but not everyone will automatically be selected.  Umpire commitment and availability will be key factors in the selection process

Questions / Additional Information

  • If you have questions or want additional information, please contact Joan Farrell, WMLL’s umpire training & oversight coordinator at umpires@wmll.org.