Every year NKLL needs to recruit new volunteer umpires. Little League does not pay its officials (every umpire you see — even those who officiate in the Little League World Series are all volunteers), and games cannot be played without an umpire.

At Farm level and above, in both baseball and softball, having a solid group of umpires is key to making the Little League season a positive experience for our children. The most important traits of an umpire are com-mon sense and the ability to be fair and decisive. Knowledge of the rules and umpire mechanics (i.e., positioning on the field) are gained through training (provided at no charge by Little League) and experience. Anyone who can control the game and get the basic calls right will be successful.

Five training sessions, beginning in early March, are scheduled (see right column). Prospective umpires are encouraged to attend as many of these sessions as possible. Training will cover rules, positioning, and control of the game. It addresses situations unique to Little League and its various levels, from the Farm league and up. NKLL umpires are given a Little League rule book during training. All necessary equipment is provided at game time.