Umpires

Get Out There And Have Some Fun!

Kirkland National is proud to offer an incentive for volunteers looking to help out on the diamond. Umpiring is a very important volunteer role for little league and here at Kirkland National we think it needs to be recognized. Our baseball and softball UIC’s have been working hard to change the culture regarding umpiring to an educator role and break down the barriers that have stood in place for too long. If this seems like an opportunity you’d like to pursue please contact an umpire-in-chief today!

Dan Hoffman, Umpire-in-Chief Baseball, uic.baseball@kirklandnational.com

Chris Dwyer, Umpire-in-Chief Softball, uic.softball@kirklandnational.com

Umpire Reimbursement Program

Each year, umpires can pick from one of these two options. Note that umpire tenure will begin at the start of the 2024 season regardless of previous participation as an umpire.

1. Player Registration Reimbursement

  1. Umpires must have a child/player registered to play for KNLL.
  2. Umpires must umpire all teams scheduled home games (baseball)
  3. Umpires must umpire half of scheduled games (softball)
    1. If a conflict arises, i.e. vacation or sickness or work commitment, the umpire will be allowed to umpire other team’s games to obtain minimum. (2) game make up maximum.
  4. No partial reimbursement for games umpired if minimum isn’t met or additional reimbursement for exceeding the minimum.
  5. All games must be assigned through Arbiter to receive credit for umpiring the game.
  6. If an umpire has multiple players registered for KNLL, to be eligible for reimbursement, umpire must officiate all scheduled home games for registered players team.
    1. If (10) games are umpired for each child/players team, umpire is eligible for dual reimbursement.
  7. Reimbursements will be paid at the conclusion of the City Championships.
    1. Umpire has the option to donate reimbursement to KNLL.

2. Umpire Gear Reimbursement

  1. 1st Year of umpiring ($125)
    1. At least (10) games must be umpired with at least (4) as plate umpire to be eligible for $125 reimbursement.
    2. All games must be assigned through Arbiter to receive credit for umpiring the game.
    3. The umpire will be eligible for reimbursement after the City Championships end with proof of receipt.
  2. 2nd Year of umpiring ($250)
    1. At least (10) games must be umpired with at least (4) as plate umpire to be eligible for $250 reimbursement.
    2. All games must be assigned through Arbiter to receive credit for umpiring the game.
    3. The umpire will be eligible for reimbursement after the City Championships end with proof of receipt.
  3. Reimbursement for purchased items only. If the item(s) purchased exceeds the allowed reimbursement amount, then the full reimbursement amount will be given. If the item(s) purchased exceeds the allowed reimbursement amount, umpire may submit remaining amount not reimbursed at the end of 2nd year of service if eligibility requirements are met.

Why Umpiring Is So Important

Kirkland National Little League baseball and softball games are umpired by volunteers – people like you and me who want to support our community. Each team is expected to provide 2 volunteer umpires for the season. Volunteer umpires are moms, dads, brothers, sisters, grandparents, and friends.

Kirkland National Little League provides training and support to volunteer umpires. This approach has proven successful with League umpires consistently selected to umpire District and State All-Star games. These experienced umpires will help new umpires successfully learn to umpire baseball and softball games.

Contacts

Dan Hoffman, Umpire-in-Chief Baseball, uic.baseball@kirklandnational.com

Chris Dwyer, Umpire-in-Chief Softball, uic.softball@kirklandnational.com

Umpire Training

A series of trainings are designed to support New and Experienced umpires. Every umpire should plan to attend one of the Virtual Trainings below to learn about rule changes and points of emphasis for 2024.

For reference, the 2022 Rules Training covers the rules, scenarios, and umpire mechanics you need to get started. If you need help, email Dan Hoffman at uic.baseball@kirklandnational.com or Chris Dwyer at uic.softball@kirklandnational.com.

Upcoming Umpire Trainings

TRAINING AUDIENCE LOCATION DATE TIME LINK
On-Field Experienced Umpires Redmond Ridge Field #1 Sunday, March 3 1:30 PM
Virtual New & Experienced Umpires Online (Option 1) Tuesday, March 5 7-9 PM Join Now

Meeting ID: 265 889 442 888
Passcode: QGwaCy
Virtual New & Experienced Umpires Online (Option 2) Wednesday, March 13 7-9 PM Join Now

Meeting ID: 268 828 061 351
Passcode: TjstU8
On-Field New Umpires Redmond Ridge Field #1 Sunday, March 17 1:30 PM

Arbiter

Arbiter (https://www.arbitersports.com/) is the umpire scheduling system. It allows you to self-assign the games you will umpire, including those with mentor opportunities. It also enables the league to view and ensure umpire coverage for all games.

A walkthrough video is available here: https://youtu.be/1KkyqKDbQgY.

Umpire Gear Provided

The League provides each volunteer umpire with their own umpire polo and hat and navy polo. The League also has shared chest protectors, shin guards, masks, baseball running violation flags, indicators, plate brushes, and ball bags.

Resources For Umpire Gear