Southeast Region Umpires

The Little League Southeast Region Umpire Program, led by the Region’s Volunteer Staff, provides training, education and resources to Little League umpires located throughout the eight-state region. Umpires can attend various events annually to improve and hone their skills, with a guarantee to learn something new each time they attend.

Umpire Events

The Southeast Region offers various events, both in-person and virtual. Anytime you attend an event, you earn points. We award one (1) point for the Rules Seminar, two (2) points for a Mechanics Clinic and four (4) for the Umpire Academy. For each 10 points earned, you can redeem for a free registration (excluding Umpire Academy). Contact the Region for your points status and using points to attend an event for free.

Upcoming and Available Southeast Region Umpire Events

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2023 Southeast Region Umpire Academy

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About our Events

  • Rules Seminar

    About

    The Rules Seminar is built for all Little League volunteers and any role. It covers rules 1-9 in detailed to better prepare attendees for the season and be more knowledgeable of Little League rules. The event is becoming a free, virtual event in 2023.

    When

    Typically held in January.

    Schedule

    With the event becoming virtual, it will be split up over multiple weeknights.

  • Two-Umpire Mechanics Clinic

    About

    The Two-Umpire Mechanics Clinic instructs participants both on the field and in the classroom on all principles of field mechanics and facets of the two-umpire system. Detailed plate mechanics are covered in cage sessions which are recorded and available to each student after the Clinic. Additional mechanics are covered in various drills and sessions. Classroom sessions provide tools and tips to improve an umpire’s game as well as a review of recent rule changes. This Clinic can serve as a learning opportunity or refresher for an umpire.

    When

    This Clinic is held in February and has been held both early and late in the month depending on other events.

    Schedule

    A sample of the event’s schedule is below.

    Friday, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Attendee Check-In
    Friday, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. – Classroom training
    Saturday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. – On-field and classroom training
    Sunday, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.- On-field and classroom training

  • Tournament Umpire Orientation

    About

    This clinic, formally known as the Four-Umpire Mechanics Clinic is exclusive for World Series and Region Tournament Appointed Umpires and prepares those umpires for their upcoming tournament assignment.

    When

    Typically held over the first weekend in June.

    Schedule

    Friday, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
    Saturday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
    Sunday, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

  • Umpire Academy

    About

    The Umpire Academy is based on solid educational principles, lecture, demonstration and supervised application conducted by the experienced Southeast Region Volunteer Umpire Staff. Students will be provided with information and training to help them move their game to a higher level, which will include rule interpretations, proper mechanics, signaling, and positioning instruction. The week-long academy provides comprehensive and detailed review of umpire mechanics, the umpiring program and Little League rules.

    When

    Typically held during the second week of October.

    Schedule

    Tuesday through Sunday.
    Begins at 5 p.m. on Tuesday and concludes by noon Sunday. Each day will start at 8 a.m. and run through at least 7 p.m. (minus Sunday).

  • Umpire Instructor Workshop

    About

    The Umpire Instructor Workshop helps provide individuals who are teaching and instruct locally with the tools necessary to properly train umpires.

    When

    Currently this event is not active but we are evaluating its return.

    Schedule

    TBD

Alumni Association

The Southeast Region Umpire Alumni Association is for any umpire that was selected to any level of a Southern (pre-2003) or Southeast Baseball or Softball Region Tournament. There is NO FEE to join the association. The association focus is to recognize and form a brotherhood and sisterhood of volunteer umpires who have been a part of a Southern or Southeast Regional Tournament.

SRUAA members receive an Association patch and membership card (with membership number). Additionally members will be eligible for a 10% discount to attend the Rules Seminar, Two-Umpire Mechanics Clinic, Four-Umpire Mechanics Clinic and Umpire Instructor Workshop held at the Region Headquarters. Membership number must be entered during registration.

All members are being auto-enrolled, but if you have not received your welcome kit, you can apply below. Any umpire who will umpire in their first tournament this year will receive their welcome kit at the tournament.

Volunteer Umpire Staff

  • Rich Ealy

    • Years Active: 37-plus years
    • Occupation: Senior Executive Assistant / Security Manager
    • Hometown: Madison, FL
    • Current Location: Fredericksburg, VA
    • Regional Tournaments: 1998 Little League Baseball
    • World Series Tournaments: 2001 Little League Baseball World Series
    • Why Did I Get Involved with Little League?: “Madison Little League was short on umpires and my dad, a board member of the league and umpire-in-chief, asked me to help out.  Being a big baseball player and fan, I decided to give it a try and now here I am over 37 years later still having fun.”
    • Why Do I Enjoy About Being a Staff Member?: “The opportunity to work with an outstanding Southeastern Region Umpire Staff.  Being an instructor has allowed me to meet and help develop many umpires so they can reach their dream of umpiring at a World Series.  It’s a joy to see umpires achieve their dream of umpiring at a World Series and to hear the great time they had.  This is what it is all about, working hard to reach a dream and having fun once you are there.  At every umpire school, clinic, roadshow, I look forward to meeting so many old friends and making new friends.”
    • About Me: Married to Sheryl.  Two daughters (Sharon and Tamisha) and seven grandchildren who reside in Florida.

  • Mike Galiano

    • Years Active: 38 years
    • Occupation: Service Technician, AT&T
    • Hometown: Elmsford, NY
    • Current Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
    • Regional Tournaments: 1992 Big League Baseball, 2000 Big League Baseball, 2003 Little League Baseball, 2014 Intermediate (50/70) Baseball
    • World Series Tournaments: 1996 Big League Baseball, 2009 Little League Baseball
    • Why Did I Get Involved with Little League?: “I was at a local Little League game with my girlfriend (now wife) watching her younger brother play. They were short an umpire in the game and asked if I would do it, after that I never left.”
    • Why Do I Enjoy About Being a Staff Member?: “I enjoy working with other umpires in the region to try to improve and make all of us in our Region better umpires and volunteers. It is great to be able to help an umpire and see them succeed. I also enjoy being a Staff member because as a group we have all become greatest friends. I have also been able to learn a great deal from them.”
    • About Me: “I am married to Andrea (also an umpire), I have three grown children Krizten, Michael and Alexis, all who played in the Little League Baseball and Softball program.”

  • Brian Henry

    • Years Active: 24 years
    • Occupation: Association Management
    • Hometown: North Lewisburg, OH
    • Current Location: Lakemont, GA
    • Regional Tournaments: 2002 Junior League Baseball, 2012 Little League Baseball
    • World Series Tournaments: 2007 Junior League Baseball, 2016 Little League Baseball, 2021 Little League Baseball
    • Why Did I Get Involved with Little League?: “Local league was in need, (I) decided to give it a try”
    • Why Do I Enjoy About Being a Staff Member?: “Teaching and relationships. Being on staff allows the ability to not only teach and watch umpires develop, but to also form those lasting relationships with other umpires throughout the Region and the World.”
    • About Me: Married to Christine, 29 years. Children: Ethan, Allie, and Audrey

  • Bryan Horne

    • Years Active: Since 2014
    • Occupation: IT Clinical Application Analyst for Hospital System
    • Hometown: Blountville, TN
    • Current Location: Blountville, TN
    • Regional Tournaments: 2007 Big League Baseball, 2012 Little League Baseball, 2014 Junior League Baseball
    • World Series Tournaments: 2010 Big League Baseball, 2017 Little League Baseball, 2021 Little League Baseball
    • Why Did I Get Involved with Little League?: “(I) became involved when son started playing.”
    • Why Do I Enjoy About Being a Staff Member?: “Knowing that I may have in some way contributed to someone becoming a better umpire.”

  • Mark Sitterly

    • Years Active: 20-plus years
    • Occupation: Branch Manager, AVI Food Systems
    • Hometown: Canajoharie, NY
    • Current Location: Greenville, SC
    • Regional Tournaments: 2008 Little League Baseball
    • World Series Tournaments: 2011 Little League Baseball
    • Why Did I Get Involved with Little League?: “My son started playing in the program and they needed help. I started out coaching and moved into umpiring as well.”
    • Why Do I Enjoy About Being a Staff Member?: “Helping other umpires improve on their skills and achieve their goals is very gratifying for me. The friendships that I have made and continue to make as a staff member will last a lifetime. Being able to work with my fellow staff members and the entire Southeast region Little League staff is a blessing.”
    • About Me: “I have a very loving and supportive family. My wife Sherry and children Nik and Alyssa are my world and I couldn’t be prouder of them. I enjoy spending time in the outdoors hunting and fishing.”

  • Eddie Smith

    • Years Active: 22 years
    • Occupation: Retired
    • Hometown: Vineland, NJ
    • Current Location: Winter Garden, FL
    • Regional Tournaments: 2004 Big League Baseball, 2005 Little League Baseball, 2006 Little League Softball, 2012 Junior League Softball, 2014 Senior League Softball, 2016 Senior League Baseball, 2021 Little League Baseball
    • World Series Tournaments: 2008 Big League Baseball, 2017 Junior League Softball
    • Why Did I Get Involved with Little League?: “My kids wanted to play ball and the clear choice was Little League.Little League provided me with the opportunity to coach my kids and and other kids the game of baseball and softball.”
    • Why Do I Enjoy About Being a Staff Member?: “Passing along the experience and knowledge that I have acquired as a volunteer umpire. Also, being part of a group that’s soul purpose is to help the Little League volunteer umpire achieve their goals.”
    • About Me: Married to wife, Terri for 41 years with two children, Sean and Tara and have two grandchildren. “(I am) honored to be part of an organization that brings individuals from all walks of life for a common goal, to make the game enjoyable for the kids.”

  • Doug Durling

    • Years Active: 17 years
    • Occupation: Landscaper
    • Hometown: Kingston, NH
    • Current Location: Davenport, FL
    • Regional Tournaments:2013 Junior League Baseball, 2016 Little League Softball, 2017 Senior League Softball
    • World Series Tournaments: 2022 Little League Softball
    • Why Did I Get Involved with Little League?: “In May of 1980, the Kingston Astros were playing the Kingston Tigers in the town championship game.  In the fourth inning, Kelly Ahlman got up and crushed a pitch into left field.  The nine year old outfielder for the Tigers (yes, it was me) got a good jump on the ball, and, moving to his left, got under it and made the catch!
      I remember the crowd, including people I didn’t even know, cheering for me.  I have never forgotten that feeling, it was like I was 15 feet tall!  So when my kids were young, I made sure to get them involved in Little League.  And when they aged out (they are now 25 and 23 years old), I continued helping with the program.  If I can help facilitate other kids to share that same type of experience, I think that’s a pretty good use of my time.  This is what organized youth sports will do for everyone involved; it provides rewards that cannot be purchased or replicated anywhere else.”
    • Why Do I Enjoy About Being a Staff Member?: “What I enjoy about being a staff member is very similar to why I remain dedicated to Little League.  I had a great Regional Tournament as an umpire in 2017.  I was picked for the plate in the championship game.  Once again, I felt 15 feet tall!  And if I can help other umpires to share that feeling, well, that also seems like a pretty good use of my time.”

  • Louis Nickerson

    • Years Active: Since 2008
    • Occupation: Telecommunications
    • Hometown: Homestead, FL
    • Current Location: Vero Beach, FL
    • Regional Tournaments: 2012 Junior League Softball, 2018 Little League Baseball
    • World Series Tournaments: 2015 Big League Softball World Series
    • Why Did I Get Involved with Little League?: “Sitting on the bleachers waiting for my daughter’s softball game to start, I was approached by the (local) League President asking me if I would umpire the game, as the umpire scheduled to work the game was tied up at work. Although I had no idea what I was doing, I reluctantly agreed to give it a try. I doubt I got a single call right that game, but I had a great time and knew that first day I wanted to do this again. 15-plus years later, I’m still having a blast!”
    • Why Do I Enjoy About Being a Staff Member?: “As a new staff member, I look forward to working with, and learning from the more senior staff members. I know I will enjoy helping newer umpires learn the craft and improve their game. Nothing beats the feeling you get when you see an umpire you have been teaching experience one of those ah-ha moments.”
    • About Me: Four children, Louis, Joshua, Samantha, and Jessica as well as four grandchildren, Emma, JayLynn, Hailey, and Madelyn.

  • Marty Henry

    • Years Active: 25 years
    • Occupation: Pastor; Regulatory Coordinator for Clinical Trials
    • Hometown: Lanett, AL
    • Current Location: Knoxville, TN
    • Regional Tournaments: 2015 Little League Baseball
    • World Series Tournaments: 2019 Little League Baseball, 2022 Little League Baseball Crew Chief
    • Why Did I Get Involved with Little League?: “I began umpiring Little League Baseball in the 8th grade thanks to our Little League Director, Charles Pigg.  He asked me to umpire and I instantly fell in love with it.  Later on, I was involved to spend time with my son as his coach and then we umpired together once he completed his playing years in Little League. I have always loved the greatest youth sports organization in the world, Little League.”
    • Why Do I Enjoy About Being a Staff Member?: “The camaraderie and lifelong friendship you develop with fellow umpires.  I love investing in people, especially umpires, and helping them grow and develop as umpires and human beings.”
    • About Me: Married over 33 years to  Jennifer.  Two children and eight grandchildren. Enjoys studying, fishing and woodworking.

Golden Mask Award

The Golden Mask Award, a part of the Southeast Region Awards Program, is presented annually to a volunteer Little League umpire for his/her outstanding service to Little League Baseball and Softball programs across the Region.

Learn More and Nominate

Southeast Umpire News