Umpire Information for Local Associations

Umpire Information for Local Associations

Information for Local Associations

We are excited to announce an exciting, new certification process for your Level 1 and 2 umpires, combining both virtual and in-person training. There will be 3 registration components:

  • Complete a virtual Umpire Learning Course.
  • Attend an in-person, locally hosted Developing Umpire Camp.
  • *If 18 or older, complete Baseball Ontario volunteer screening requirements as outlined on the Baseball Ontario website and in the ONDeck app.

WHAT IS THE UMPIRE LEARNING COURSE? 

All Level 1 and 2 umpires will complete a virtual Umpire Learning Course that:

  • Will contain a series of interactive, independent learning modules
  • Is designed to be self-directed and self-paced, taking approximately 2 hours in total to complete
  • Covers rules, mechanics, and positioning considerations for umpires
  • Is designed for each umpire’s specific level

WHAT IS THE DEVELOPING UMPIRE CAMP? 

All Level 1 and 2 umpires will also attend a Baseball Ontario Umpire Camp that will be:

  • 4 hours in length
  • Held in a gym or indoor field facility
  • Hosted by local associations
  • Fun and active, with an emphasis on game situations and umpiring fundamentals
  • Attended by both Level 1 and 2 umpires in a combined setting
  • Run by two Baseball Ontario Clinicians, ensuring that content is still differentiated by level where needed

WHY THE CHANGES? 

We are committed to providing greater practical training to our developing umpires. Having Level 1 and 2 umpires attend 4-hour Developing Umpire Camps together will:

  • Provide more date options for umpires to attend their in-person requirement
  • Allow feedback from two different clinicians during the event
  • Ensure sufficient numbers of participants to run effective drills and game scenarios
  • Provide annual practice of fundamental umpiring skills that are common to all levels
  • Continue to allow for differentiation of learning by level through the use of two clinicians in-person, and through level specific content delivered in advance through the online Umpire Learning Course.
  • Provide a high-energy, fun program for all developing umpires

 LOCAL RESPONSIBILITIES

To support the Level 1 and 2 registration process, locals will:

  • Submit a hosting application
  • Plan for one or more combined Level 1 and 2 events with a minimum of 15 and maximum of 40 participants
  • Book an indoor field training facility or large, high school sized gymnasium. A classroom or meeting room is not required and will not be used if booked. Booking an outdoor field only is not sufficient.
  • Notify and encourage your new and existing umpires to register via the Baseball Ontario online system
  • Submit a second hosting application if participant numbers exceed 40 (combined Level 1 and 2)
  • Combine with a nearby local if participant numbers are less than 15 (combined Level 1 and 2)

IMPLEMENTATION POSSIBILITIES 

As local associations plan to host Developing Umpire Camps, consideration can be given to the following possibilities that the previous clinic system did not allow:

  • Two separate Camps can be offered on the same day by booking a facility for 9 hours
  • Camps can potentially be offered on weekday evenings
  • Where less than the minimum 15 participants are available, two nearby locals can make a joint hosting application
  • Umpires can be given flexibility to attend a Camp on their preferred date, regardless of their level

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED BY UMPIRES 

Hosts should communicate with participants in advance of the Umpire Camp, ensuring they bring:

  • Non-marking indoor shoes and clothing suitable for gym use
  • Optional: Umpire equipment including hat, mask, indicator, and brush. Other protective equipment is not required.

REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT PROCESS 

Clinicians will not accept payment directly from individual umpires. The host is responsible for submitting payment directly to Baseball Ontario based on the number of participants according to the following formula, which is unchanged from past years:

  • $25.00/Level 1 Participant
  • $45.00/Level 2 Participant

These fees provide your umpires with Baseball Ontario insurance coverage, cover Baseball Ontario Clinician costs, an provide umpires with access to online learning materials.

Local Associations may choose to add a small Local Certification Fee to the amount they collect from each umpire to cover local facility and other costs.  Local Associations may also choose to cover some or all of the Baseball Ontario fee for their umpires.  The amount collected locally from individual Level 1 and 2 umpires is completely at the discretion of the Local Association.

OTHER LEVEL 1/2 CAMP INFORMATION FOR HOSTS 

The host should advise the OBA office of any changes in the number of attendees from the original estimate to ensure that the Camp meets the minimum/maximum number of participants. In cases where the minimum number of participants (15) are not registered by one week prior, the Camp will be rescheduled and participants will be contacted by Baseball Ontario and supported in selecting an alternate location. One of the assigned Baseball Ontario Clinicians will contact the host approximately a week prior to the camp to confirm the final numbers and location details.

Baseball Ontario will enroll all Camp participants in our Insurance Program

8U/9U (ROOKIE BALL) UMPIRE TRAINING PROGRAM

Please find linked below below our 8U/9U Instructor Guide and Student Workbook for Local Associations to use in the instruction of their umpires who work this division.

Please feel free to download and utilize these tools in your association's own 8U/9U umpires clinic.

8U/9U Umpire Training Program