Pennsylvania District 29 Little League® Baseball and Softball announces that Sean Guilday of Kunkletown is one of 16 volunteer umpires from around the world selected to umpire for the Little League Baseball® World Series in Williamsport, starting Aug. 17.

Volunteer umpires are one of the most important aspects in the success of Little League programs around the world and in each Little League International Tournament.

The selection process to become a World Series umpire is lengthy and rigorous. Appointment as a member of the umpiring crew for a World Series is the highest honor that Little League can bestow on a volunteer umpire.

"Each volunteer umpire at our nine World Series tournaments will bring a high level of professionalism, knowledge of the game, commitment to fair play, and appreciation for players and coaches," said Nicholas Caringi, Little League Senior Director of Operations and Education. "Their experience will be something they won't ever forget."

The process for selection to work a World Series begins with a recommendation from the District Administrator within their district to umpire in an above-state or Regional Tournament. Little League's nine regional offices then consider all nominated umpires before selecting those who most closely meet the selection criteria.

The umpires volunteering at each regional tournament are evaluated and can receive one of two recommendations: Recommend working another Regional Tournament or Recommend a World Series assignment. Once an umpire has earned a World Series recommendation, the umpire must indicate that they wish to be considered further.

Individuals who meet those qualifications are then screened annually by Little League International and Regional staffs for selection to umpire in a Little League World Series tournament.

An umpire is eligible to be selected for a World Series assignment once every four years, but being chosen to work a Little League Baseball® World Series is a one-time opportunity.