CHAPTER 1 THE VOLUNTEER UMPIRE

Character, good judgment, ability to get along with youngsters and the desire to do the job well are the attributes of a good umpire. This is only part of what it takes to be a Little League umpire.

The adult volunteer is also a person who commands respect, knows the rules of the game and reacts intuitively to play situations which dictate the umpire's position.

Since the advent of baseball, the umpire has occupied a unique role. As sole judge and jury the umpires authority is unquestioned, but the dignity with which each umpire exercise duties, the good judgment and common sense they apply in the interpretation of the Rule Book are the hallmarks of an efficient and well respected official.

The theory that paying umpires guarantees competence is not only fallacious, but contrary to Little League policies. It is also a fallacy to believe, that because an umpire is a volunteer that he could not be as professional in his umpiring mechanics and knowledge of the rules as any major league umpire.

The Little League Volunteer Umpire could be one of the most important volunteers in the local league structure.