Why Umpires Matter
Every single game depends on volunteer umpires—parents, guardians, siblings, extended family, and friends who step up for the kids and the community. No umpires, no games.
At Kirkland National, we take umpiring seriously and want our volunteers to feel confident and appreciated. Our Baseball and Softball Umpires‑in‑Chief (UICs) are teachers at heart. Their goal is to build a strong, skilled crew of umpires by giving you clear training, tools, and support all season long.
That approach is working—our league umpires are regularly selected to work District and State All‑Star games. Experienced umpires also mentor new volunteers, helping them learn the ropes for both baseball and softball.
Short version: you’re needed, you’ll be supported, and you’ll have fun out there.
How to Become an Umpire
1. Become an approved volunteer (register, background check, Abuse Awareness Training)
2. Attend New Umpire Training (see below)
3. Contact your UIC to get an invite into Arbiter (our umpire scheduling system)
Umpire Training
New umpire training - New Umpires must attend both of these sessions
This training gives you the basics you need to feel ready and successful on the field.
- Field training - March 14, 2026, 12PM (about 1 1/2 hours)
Location: Lakeview Elementary School
Other Resources:
Little League Umpiring 101.com - visual training for beginning umpires - Home
Umpires - Little League - the umpire training course is helpful
Arbiter Scheduling
We use Arbiter (ArbiterSports) as our umpire scheduling system.
• Umpires can self‑assign games they want to work.
• The league can track coverage and make sure every game has umpires.
There’s also a walkthrough video available to help you get comfortable with the system.
There is an Arbiter app for Android and iPhone but note that you can only self-assign games through the website. The app can be used to view your schedule.
Umpire Reimbursement Program
Kirkland National offers an incentive program to thank volunteers who commit to umpiring. Each year, umpires can choose one of these two options.
Note: Umpire tenure for this program starts with the 2024 season, regardless of any previous umpiring.
1 - Player Registration Reimbursement
- Umpires must have a child/player registered to play for KNLL.
- Umpires must umpire all teams scheduled home games (baseball)
- Umpires must umpire half of scheduled games (softball)
- 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.
- No partial reimbursement for games umpired if minimum isn’t met or additional reimbursement for exceeding the minimum.
- All games must be assigned through Arbiter to receive credit for umpiring the game.
- 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.
- If (10) games are umpired for each child/players team, umpire is eligible for dual reimbursement.
- Reimbursements will be paid at the conclusion of the City Championships.
Umpire has the option to donate reimbursement to KNLL.
2 - Umpire Gear Reimbursement
- 1st Year of umpiring ($125)
- 2nd Year of umpiring ($250)
Additional details:
• Reimbursement applies to purchased gear only.
• If your purchase is more than the allowed amount, you’ll receive the full allowed reimbursement.
• If your purchase exceeds the Year 1 amount, you may submit the remaining unreimbursed amount at the end of Year 2 (if you meet the Year 2 eligibility requirements).
Umpire Gear Provided
We want getting started as an umpire to be as easy and affordable as possible.
The league provides each volunteer umpire with:
• Umpire polo shirt (yours to keep)
• Umpire hat (yours to keep)
We also have shared gear available for game‑day use:
• Chest protector
• Shin guards
• Mask
• Baseball running violation flag
• Indicator
• Plate brush
• Ball bag
The only items we ask you to provide are gray slacks and a black belt—and if that’s a hardship, talk to us; we still want you out there.
Contacts
Where to buy Umpire Gear