Little League Umpire Academy - Williamsport - Spring 2025

Little League® International is pleased to extend a cordial invitation to all league volunteers to join our enthusiastic Little League National Instructor Team in Williamsport, Pennsylvania 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 Little League Umpire Academy is a completely revamped and highly engaging umpire training event that provides a comprehensive, jam-packed, hands-on, and interactive study and application of the Little League Rules, Plate Mechanics, Base Mechanics, and the fundamentals of Working the 2-Umpire System.

Members of our National Instructor Staff will lead instruction throughout the academy, using thoughtful, engaging, and interactive instructional strategies to provide a high-quality, highly comprehensive training event that equips and encourages umpires of all ability and experience levels. The National Instructor Team meets regularly to discuss best teaching practices, to remain current on all modern trends in umpiring, and to review and understand the Little League Umpire Development Curriculum so that we can provide an unmatched learning experience at each of our training events, especially each of our Umpire Academies across the program.

The cost of the academy is $300.00 per student and covers all instructional materials, 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 for cage work, drills, and simulations, mask, and complete plate equipment. The preferred uniform for the school is charcoal gray umpire pants, black t-shirt, black shirt/jacket, black shoes, and black belt.

As a Little League Umpire, all umpires are reminded 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 may be required to provide a copy of the certificate indicating completion of this Abuse Awareness Training prior to participating in the training event. The Abuse Awareness training is free and can be completed here: https://www.littleleague.org/university/articles/abuse-awareness-training-course/. (Note: Certificates must be dated after October 1 of the previous year to be valid and will be necessary should live games or simulations be used during the event.)

We offer an fun, comprehensive, positive, encouraging, and enjoyable experience that will afford each volunteer umpire the opportunity to become properly trained to umpire all levels of Little League Baseball and Softball. 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].

(NOTE: Arrangements may be made to check-in Tuesday evening between 5-7PM to stay in the dorms Tuesday night so that umpires are rested and ready for breakfast on Wednesday morning. Details for this option will be provided by Cathy Lusk via email one week prior to the event.)

Whether new to the umpiring ranks or many years of experience, our Academies will ensure you have the most current, up-to-date, and approved mechanics and rules knowledge to elevate your game. We hope to see you soon!

SAMPLE AGENDA:

7AM-8AM - Breakfast

8AM-10AM – Formation and Classroom Session – Rules / Mechanics

10AM-12PM – Plate Work

12PM-1PM – Lunch Break

1PM-2PM – Classroom Session – Rules / Mechanics

3PM-5PM – On-Field Work

5PM-6PM – Dinner Break

6PM-7:30PM – Extra Work / Night School

Host or Publisher Little League Baseball, Incorporated