The Umpires

Lincoln Girl's Softball hires local youth and adults to perform umpire duties for our games. This has allowed us to insure a high level of consistency in rule enforcement and interpretation. Most of our youth umpires are current and former players in the league, many of whom are currently playing at the high school level. We are proud of our umpiring program and the quality of play it allows for our league. Please remember that our umpire program is designed as a learning and training program.

The Umpire In Chief

The Umpire In Chief (UIC) is responsible for for the supervision, training and scheduling of our umpires. The UIC also has the responsibility to rule on all protests. By local rule, the Umpire In Chief may umpire in a regular game. In the event of a protest during the game, our Assistant UIC (or other appropriate, elected Board Member) will act as Umpire In Chief for the purpose of settling that dispute.

Umpire Training

Each umpire is given a minimum of 15 hours of training prior to officiating his/her first game. Follow up is done throughout the season to reinforce proper techniques, answer questions and evaluate performance. Training for umpires begins in January and included both classroom and field work. Any Manager or Coach wishing to attend the umpire training in order to better understand the job of the umpire and/or the rules of our league are invited to do so. Interested adults should email the Umpire In Chief. Stay tuned for training dates, times and places.

The Umpire's Job

We expect our umpires to be at the field 15 minutes before the start of the game. They must inspect the field, personal equipment to be used in the game (bats, helmets etc.). A Manager/Coach meeting will take place at home plate with the umpires before game time to review local rules and answer any questions. Once the game begins, the umpire is in charge. Only the Manager or female coach of the team is authorized to talk to the umpire during the game. The umpire is directly responsible for insuring a smooth flow of the game and for making all calls and rule interpretations necessary during play. Should disputes arise, the umpire's decision is final. If a Manager feels a decision has been made that is not within the rules, a formal protest may be entered (see the By-Laws).

Adult Responsibility Toward Umpires

It is the duty of all adults associated with our league to recognize that our umpires are young people doing their very best. Managers and Coaches in particular must keep this in mind during games and will, at all times, conduct themselves in a manner above reproach. It is also the duty of the Managers and Coaches to control their spectators and to not allow unruly adult conduct to take away the enjoyment of the game for others. Please review with your parents the Spectator Conduct document.