Our Umpires
Umpires are an important part of North Brooklyn Youth Baseball League.
They help our games run safely, fairly, and smoothly. They also help our players learn the rules, understand game situations, and experience baseball in a more organized and meaningful way.
Like our coaches, players, and families, our umpires are part of the NBYBL community.
Respect for Umpires
NBYBL expects all players, coaches, and families to treat umpires with respect.
Youth baseball is a learning environment for everyone. Players are learning the game. Coaches are teaching the game. Umpires are managing the game in real time, often while also helping young players understand what is happening on the field.
There will always be close calls. There will always be moments where someone sees a play differently. But arguing with umpires, yelling from the sidelines, or creating a negative environment is not acceptable in our league.
We want our players to learn that sportspersonship includes how we treat officials.
Our Approach
Our goal is to create a game environment that is competitive, fun, and respectful.
At the younger levels, games are more instructional. Coaches may help keep the game moving, explain rules, and support players through new situations.
As players get older, games become more structured and competitive. Umpires play a bigger role in calling balls and strikes, making calls on the bases, managing game flow, and helping players adjust to a more complete baseball experience.
At every level, the goal is the same: help kids play, learn, compete, and enjoy the game.
Learning the Game the Right Way
Umpires help players understand that baseball has structure, rules, and expectations.
They help teach important parts of the game, including:
Balls and strikes
Safe and out calls
Fair and foul balls
Force plays and tags
Base running rules
Pitching and catching rules
Game pace and field awareness
These moments are part of player development. Learning how to respond to calls, move on from mistakes, and stay focused is an important part of growing as a baseball player.
Supporting Our Umpires
NBYBL is committed to supporting our umpires.
Coaches are expected to communicate respectfully and calmly. Families are expected to cheer for players, not argue calls. Players are expected to listen, adjust, and keep playing.
If a coach has a question about a rule or call, it should be handled calmly and appropriately. In most cases, only the head coach should speak with the umpire during a game.
Our league works best when everyone helps create a positive environment.
Interested in Umpiring?
We are always looking for responsible, reliable people who are interested in umpiring NBYBL games.
Umpiring is a great opportunity for people who love baseball, want to support local youth sports, and are comfortable helping manage a game. Experience is helpful, but a positive attitude, confidence, fairness, and a willingness to learn are just as important.
If you are interested in umpiring, please contact us.