If you are an approved PHLL Umpire you can view and sign up for games:

Spring 2024 PHLL Sign Up Genius Link

If you are interested in becoming an approved PHLL Umpire, please email the league at [email protected] for more information.

Having and knowing the rules of engagement for Little League is vital for players, Managers, Assistant Coaches, parents/guardians, and umpires to have an enjoyable experience.

The full set of Little League rules can be found in the Mobile Little League Rulebook App.  A hard copy of the book will be provided by the league to each team Manager.  Extra hard copy books can be ordered at:   LLI Hard Copy Rulebooks  PHLL Local rules can be found in the leagues bylaws: PHLL Operating Documents

Below are some common rule infractions that need to be followed:

REGULATION XIV – FIELD DECORUM

(a) The actions on or off the field, of players, managers, coaches, umpires, and league officials must be above reproach. Any player, manager, coach, umpire, or league representative who is involved in a verbal or physical altercation, or an incident of unsportsmanlike conduct, at the game site or any other Little League activity including through online or social media, is subject to disciplinary action by the local league Board of Directors (or by the district, if the Senior League is administered as a district operation).

(d) A manager or coach shall not leave the bench or dugout except to confer with a player or an umpire and only after receiving permission from an umpire. (EXCEPTION: In Tee Ball and Minor League, managers and coaches may be on the field for instructional purposes but shall not assist runners or touch a live ball. At least one adult manager or coach must be in the dugout at all times.)

Note: The only time a Manager or Coach is permitted out of the dugout without permission is to coach in the coaching box.

Rules

1.11- (A)(3) - Any part of the pitcher’s undershirt or T-shirt exposed to view shall be of a solid color. The pitcher’s undershirt sleeves, if exposed, shall not be white or gray. Neoprene sleeves, if worn by a pitcher, must be covered by an undershirt.
NOTE: A pitcher shall not wear any items on his/her hands, wrists, or arms which may be distracting to the batter, e.g. sweat bands.

1.11- (J)- Players must not wear jewelry such as, but not limited to, rings, watches, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, nor any hard cosmetic/decorative items. This rule applies regardless of the composition of such jewelry, hard cosmetic item, or hard decorative item. EXCEPTION: Jewelry that alerts medical personnel to a specific condition is permissible.  PHLL Note: This both for games and practices.


1.15 - (a) BASEBALL: The pitcher’s glove may not, exclusive of piping, be white or light gray nor, in the judgment of an umpire, distracting in any manner.  SOFTBALL: The pitcher’s glove shall be of one solid color or multi-colored as long as the color(s) are not the color of the ball being used in the game. A glove that is judged to be distracting is illegal.

BASEBALL: No pitcher shall attach to the glove any foreign material of a color different than the glove. The pitcher may wear a batting glove on the non-pitching hand under the pitcher’s glove provided the batting glove is not white, gray or optic yellow.  SOFTBALL: No pitcher shall attach to the glove any foreign material of a color different from the glove.

3.01 - Before the game begins the umpires shall - (a) require strict observance of all rules governing team personnel, implements of play and equipment of players

3.02 - No player shall intentionally discolor or damage the ball by rubbing it with soil, rosin, paraffin, licorice, sandpaper, emery paper or other foreign substance.
PENALTY: The umpire shall demand the ball and remove the offender from the pitching position. In case the umpire cannot locate the offender, and if the pitcher delivers such discolored or damaged ball to the batter, the pitcher shall be removed from the pitching position at once.

3.09 - Players, managers and coaches of the participating teams shall not address, or mingle with spectators, nor sit in the stands during a game in which they are engaged. Managers or coaches must not warm up a pitcher at home plate or in the bullpen or elsewhere at any time. They may, however, stand by to observe a pitcher during warm-up in the bullpen

3.17 - Players and substitutes shall sit on their team’s bench or in the dugout unless participating in the game or preparing to enter the game. No one except eligible players in uniform, a manager, and not more than two coaches ( Tee Ball/Minor League Instructional Division: three coaches) shall occupy the bench or dugout. When batters or base runners are retired, they must return to the bench or dugout at once. Batboys and/or batgirls are not permitted. The use of electronic communication equipment during the game is restricted. No team shall use electronic communication equipment, including walkie-talkies, cellular telephones, etc., for any communication with on-field personnel including those in the dugout, bullpen, or field.
PENALTY: If, in the umpire’s judgment, any player, manager, or coach uses an electronic communications device during the game, the penalty is ejection from the game.
NOTE: A manager or coach is permitted to use a rulebook, scorekeeping, and/or pitch-counting application on an electronic device without penalty, provided such device is not used to receive messages of any sort.

4.05 – The offensive team shall station two base coaches on the field during its time at bat, one near first base and one near third base. The coaches shall not leave their respective dugouts until the pitcher has completed his/her preparatory pitches to the catcher. Base coaches shall-

(c) remain within the base coaches’ boxes at all times, except as provided in Rule7.11;
(d) talk to members of their own team only. An offending base coach shall be removed from the base coach’s box.

7.11 - The players, coaches or any member of an offensive team shall vacate any space (including both dugouts) needed by a fielder who is attempting to field a batted or thrown ball.
PENALTY: Interference shall be called and the batter or runner on whom the play is being made shall be declared out.

4.06 - No manager, coach or player, shall at any time, whether from the bench or the playing field or elsewhere -
(a) incite, or try to incite, by word or sign, a demonstration by spectators;
(b) use language which will in any manner refer to or reflect upon opposing players, manager, coach, an umpire or spectators;
(c) make any move calculated to cause the pitcher to commit an illegal pitch
(d) take a position in the batter’s line of vision, with the deliberate intent to distract the batter.

9.01 - (a) The league president shall appoint one or more adult umpires to officiate at each league game. The umpire shall be responsible for the conduct of the game in accordance with these official rules and for maintaining discipline and order on the playing field during the game.
BASEBALL NOTE 1: Plate umpire must wear mask, shin guards, and chest protector. Male umpires must wear protective cup.

9.02 - (a) Any umpire’s decision which involves judgment, such as, but not limited to, whether a batted ball is fair or foul, whether a pitch is a strike or a ball, or whether a runner is safe or out, is final. No player, manager, coach or substitute shall object to any such judgment decisions.

PHLL desires to have a core of umpires that have a desire to follow the mission of the Little League Program of being an all Volunteer Program by providing a service to the Local League in a way that provides a safe and fun environment for the children while at the same time being cost effective for the league.

Umpiring is one of the major elements to have a successful Little League program. 

When you volunteer as a Umpire , PHLL will ensure you have the basic umpire equipment.   It is our way to show our commitment to you and our players to be a member of the "3rd team" on the field during regular season games.

No experience.  No problem!  PHLL has umpiring clinics and experienced umpires to help you get started.  In most cases, you will be partnered with an experienced umpire as you begin your journey.  If you would like to give it a try or would like to talk about some specifics, please don't hesitate to email PHLL at: [email protected]