Umpire Levels
Umpires progress through a series of levels over many years of training.
LEVEL 1
Level 1 is a two-year program comprised of Getting Started and Continued Development training years. Level 1 umpires are certified to umpire all levels of House League, and Rep up to and including 13U.
In each of the two years, Level 1 umpires must:
- Complete a virtual Umpire Learning Certification comprised of a series of independent learning modules specific to their Level. The total expected time for the Certification is 2 hours.
- Attend a 4 hour in-person, locally hosted Umpire Camp.
- *If 18 or older, complete Baseball Ontario volunteer screening requirements as outlined on the Baseball Ontario website and in the ONDeck app.
LEVEL 2
Level 2 is a 3-year program comprised of The Offense, The Defense, and The Umpire training years. Level 2 umpires are certified to umpire all levels of provincial baseball up to and including 18U.
In each of the three years, Level 2 umpires must:
- Complete a virtual Umpire Learning Course comprised of a series of independent learning modules. The total expected time for the course is 2 hours.
- Attend a 4 hour in-person, locally hosted Umpire Camp.
- *If 18 or older, complete Baseball Ontario volunteer screening requirements as outlined on the Baseball Ontario website and in the ONDeck app.
LEVEL 3
Level 3 is open to all umpires who have completed the 3-year Level 2 program cycle. Level 3 training occurs on a 3-year cycle comprised of an in-person SuperCamp year, a virtual Clinic year, and an Exam year. Level 3 umpires are qualified to work provincial playdowns and Eliminations up to and including Senior level.
There will be up to 3 components to certification:
- Complete a virtual Level 3 Umpire Learning Course consisting of 3 seminars (The Offense, The Defense, Game Management).
- Attend a 3.5 hour, in-person SuperCamp. The focus of the SuperCamp will be on simulated game situations, pitching machine work, and 3-umpire system walkthroughs.
- *If 18 or older, complete Baseball Ontario volunteer screening requirements as outlined on the Baseball Ontario website and in the ONDeck app.
LEVEL 4
The Level 4 program is held under the jurisdiction of Baseball Canada and certifies people so that they are eligible to umpire at a National Championship. Level 4 is a difficult yet rewarding standard to obtain. Each year there are fewer National Assignments than there are Level 4 Umpires and the wait to finally get that assignment may seem long. But, as all who have been there will tell you, the wait is worth it when you finally do get to step onto the field at a one of our country's National Championships.
To attain Level 4 certification:
- Be a Level 3 certified umpire for at least one year.
- Be evaluated on-field by a Senior or Master Course Conductor on two occasions (1 plate and 1 base.) in a rep game at the 15U level or higher. Designated tournaments will be available each year where Level 3 umpires can obtain the required on-field evaluations. These opportunities will be communicated to all Level 3 umpires via email, social media, and our Inside Pitch newsletter.
- Write the Baseball Canada National Umpire Exam each year.
- Pass annual on-field evaluations by a Senior or Master Course Conductor on two occasions, or have successfully completed a National Championship assignment within the previous 3 years.
- Complete annual Level 4 program requirements (virtual and/or in-person) at your own expense.
LEVEL 5 CERTIFICATION
Level 5 umpires are members of the National Program who have received a successful on-field evaluation at a Major National Championship (Canada Games, Men’s Senior, or 22U). These umpires are certified for all levels of national baseball, and may be considered for International recommendation. These umpires must meet the same annual certification requirements as Level 4.
