Little League® International Baseball and Softball is pleased to extend a cordial invitation to all league volunteers to join our enthusiastic Little League Instructors in Williamsport, Pennsylvania on September 25-29, 2024, to our Little League Umpire Academy. Students must be a minimum of eighteen years old to attend this Academy. Enrollment in this Academy will be limited to forty (40) participants. It will be held in the Dr. Creighton J. Hale International Grove Dining Hall, Recreation Room (2nd Floor), and the field facilities at International Headquarters. Should we experience inclement weather all field exercises and plate work will be conducted indoors.

The week-long session will cover rules, regulations, and interpretations (Baseball and Softball); the mechanics of the two-umpire system; the philosophy, mental approach, and attitude toward Little League Baseball and Softball; the handling of situations and control of the game; as well as three-and four-umpire system discussions.

The cost of the academy will include three meals per day (Wednesday – Saturday), and one meal (Sunday), and housing in Little League International Dormitories. Each student attending the academy will need to provide their own equipment including an umpire hat, indicator for balls and strikes, baseball glove, mask, and complete plate gear (if they have it). The preferred uniform for the school is heather or charcoal gray umpire pants, black t-shirt, black shoes, and black belt.

Because of the potential for umpires to umpire live games during this training event, all attending umpires will be required to complete a background check on the Umpire Registry for $5.00 in addition to completing the Abuse Awareness Training via USA Baseball and SafeSport. Attendees will be required to provide a copy of the certificate indicating completion of this Abuse Awareness Training prior to participating in the training event.

Completion of the Abuse Awareness Training is free and can be done by following this link: https://usabdevelops.com/page/4824/education. Please click “EDUCATION,” then select “COURSES,” complete the “Abuse Awareness for Adults” + “Enroll” and then “Go to Course.” Be sure to complete the course and download the certificate at the course’s completion to provide to training staff prior to the event.

We offer an enjoyable experience that will afford each volunteer umpire the opportunity to become properly trained before the season starts. Please encourage other umpires, coaches, and managers to attend. Should you have any questions, or need information regarding the school, please contact Cathy Lusk, Operations Administrative Assistant, at 570-326-1921, ext. 2248 or [email protected].

The cost to attend the Academy is $280.00 per student. Enrollment will be limited to forty (40) umpire students.