LL Rules -vs- FED rules

[Jim Porter]

Originally posted by brandda
The reason that little league does not pay their umpires is that they do not have tax dollars to pay them with the way high schools do. It is a simple matter of economics and if you jack the price on the players to cover umpires, then most leagues would see a significant drop in participation as they would price themselves out of the market.

Actually, just one important point. Little League recommends the use of volunteer umpires not for any financial reasons. It is for philisophical reasons.

Little League wants to remain true to its roots. Carl Stotz began Little League with just a few teams in Williamsport, PA, many moons ago. But he also had a community dedicated to volunteering to make that league successful.

Volunteering in LL is important because it shows the children of your community that you care about them and their future. Volunteering for your local LL allows you to touch the lives of the children from your community and have a hand in how they develop as citizens of this country. The idea is to help build a successful future for your community. What you put into your community, you will get back.

However, even LL has realized reality. Knowing that most people who would be willing to donate their time to umpire for their local LL simply cannot afford the outrageous costs of uniforms, equipment, and supplies. As a result, some leagues are simply strapped for volunteers. Which is why LL decided for this season to allow their insurance to cover even individuals paid by the league to umpire their games.