What Is the Junior Umpire Program?

The Junior Umpire Program is for youth who are interested in learning how to umpire with support from SSLL. Participants gain hands-on experience, receive mentoring throughout the season, and play an important role in supporting our players and teams.

Who Can Participate?

• Junior Umpires must be between 13 and 17 years old.
• A parent or guardian must accept the Parent/Guardian Agreement during the sign-up process.
• All participants must complete required training and safety paperwork.
• No prior umpiring experience is required, just a positive attitude and willingness to learn.

What to Expect

Junior Umpires will attend a pre-season training session and then may sign up for games at the start of the season. Most assignments are within SSLL at the AAA and Majors levels.

• Commit to at least one game per week, based on availability
• Receive support and feedback from the Umpire in Chief and league mentors
• Help ensure games are safe, fair, and fun for all players
• Follow the SSLL Code of Conduct and child safety expectations

Game Coordinator Requirement

Per Little League rules, any game that uses a Junior Umpire must also have a designated Game Coordinator. This role is required to ensure the Junior Umpire is supported and that the game environment remains safe and respectful.

The Game Coordinator is assigned by the home team coach before the game and must be an approved adult SSLL volunteer. They are not a coach or dugout participant and serve only one game at a time.

• Attends the pre-game plate meeting
• Provides support and protection for the Junior Umpire
• Addresses any misconduct by coaches, players, or spectators if needed
• Signs the Junior Umpire Game Log after the game

A game cannot be played with a Junior Umpire unless a Game Coordinator is present, in accordance with Little League Rule 9.03(d).

Junior Umpire Volunteer Thank You Gifts

Junior Umpires are volunteers, and SSLL greatly appreciates their service. Participants receive an SSLL umpire uniform and have the opportunity for additional thank-you gifts based on the number of games worked.

More Information

Junior Umpires and families will receive the full Junior Umpire Handbook at the pre-season training session. The handbook includes complete expectations, safety information, scheduling policies, and game-day procedures.

If you would like to learn more about the Junior Umpire Program, please contact:

SSLL Umpire Team
[email protected]

We look forward to helping develop the next generation of SSLL umpires and leaders.

General Umpire Information

Umpires are an essential part of creating a safe, fair, and positive game environment at South Salem Little League. SSLL encourages parents and volunteers to support our games as umpires, and we provide clinics and instructional materials throughout the season.

Division Umpire Coverage

• T-Ball, A, and AA Divisions: Coaches on the field make necessary calls.
• AAA Division: The home team provides a parent volunteer umpire if no Junior Umpire is assigned.
• Majors, 50/70, and Juniors Divisions: SSLL will attempt to assign adult or Junior Umpires. When unavailable, parent volunteer umpires may be required. 

SSLL umpire gear is available at each field location for plate umpires.

For more information email [email protected].

District 7 Umpire Resources

Download 2026 Umpire Training Opportunities (PDF)

District 7 provides umpire training opportunities and development resources for local league volunteers. For more information, contact the District 7 Umpire Consultants at [email protected].