Junior Umpire Program
FAQSWhat is a "Junior Umpire"?
A “Junior Umpire” is a teen or preteen who has taken the official USA Softball Umpire all-day training and is registered and insured to umpire girls softball games behind the plate and on the bases. For the Spring 2025 season, Junior Umpires will call our 10U, 8U, 7U, and 6U games. Some of the top Juniors may get the chance to ump some 12U games as well.
Why have a Junior Umpire program?
There are many reasons, including getting ahead of the shortage of adult umpires, reinvesting registration fees back into our local community, empowering local youth with all sorts of life lessons, maturity, and confidence, and finally inspiring younger players by showing them that young girls and boys can be in charge of their games.
Are we the only league doing this?
No, far from it. Santa Monica Girls Softball has run their Junior Umpire program for many years. They have developed enough talented Junior Umpires to run their entire program using them, and they send their Juniors to all sorts of tournaments and competitions. Many other local leagues up and down Southern California are embracing Junior Umpires.
What training does a Junior Umpire receive?
The same training that the adult umpires do! USA Softball puts on all-day trainings every winter, and the Juniors must complete that training in order to be eligible to umpire games during our Spring season.
Do the Juniors receive any on-field training?
Yes! During the summer and fall, returning Juniors and interested youths attend smaller trainings and umpire our instructional Summer and Fall Ball games under the supervision of Adult Mentors. This means that Summer and Fall Ball are instructional not just for our players, but for our Junior Umpires, too!
Do the Junior Umpires get paid?
Of course! The Juniors are paid at least $25 per game, and they receive other perks like free food at the snack bar and complementary Junior Umpire swag.
2025 TRAINING DATES
- Saturday, December 14, 2024
Placerita Junior High School
25015 North Newhall Ave, Santa Clarita, CA 91321 (West) - Sunday, December 15, 2024
Valadez Middle School Academy
161 E. LaJolla Ave., Placentia, CA 92870 (LA Southbay / Central) - Saturday, January 25, 2025
Clairemont High School
4150 Ute Dr, San Diego, CA 92117 (San Diego) - Sunday, January 26, 2025
El Roble Intermediate School
665 N Mountain Ave, Claremont, CA 91711 (East) - Saturday, February 1, 2025
Alta Vista Park (details TBD)
