I started my career as a LL umpire.
The first thing that is going to hit you like a ton of bricks is the fact that ANYTHING GOES, and you are the target. There are no rules of conduct for coaches, or fans. You are going to get abuse you never new existed.
Every call is going to be scrutinized, ridiculed, and argued.
There will be no League Commissioner (or AD) to handle the crazy situations. Even when working with a partner, you will be alone at times.
Rules will come into play for situations that only happen once in a career, so read this forum every day, so you will be prepared.
Your timing, judgment, rules knowledge, and game management will be pushed to the limits of human ability.
You will have partners that will sell you out to save their own butt.
If you can make it through the first season, you will be on your way to being a better umpire than you dreamed possible. You will enjoy umpiring more than ever before, and you will spend the off season counting the minutes for the next season to start. You will also wonder why you ever did this for free (then when you get older, you'll remember, and return to volunteering your time for the kids).
Advise...
As already stated, read the FED rule book front to back, back to front. Then start in the middle, and work your way out.
Pick and choose who you listen to (other umpires) very carefully. The more arrogant, and indignant they are, the less you should listen.
If you blow a judgment call, stick with it, during your first year. Don't get into the habit of changing calls.
Try to objectively judge how you did after each game, and try to fix one, and only one, thing the next game.
Be confident, but not arrogant.
Dress properly, and keep your uniforms and equipment in tip top shape.
Purchase the Umpire Instructional Aids at
www.reegind.com
Oh yeah...Don't forget to loose the mask, and use a Helmet. (sorry guys, just couldn't resist.)