Attention Orangeville Umpires

We are currently awaiting information about hosting an umpire level 1 & 2 clinic.
Updates will be posted as they become available

2023 UMPIRE CERTIFICATION PROCESS

Registration for new and returning umpires will open in mid-February.  Baseball Ontario is pleased to report that umpire registration fees for 2023 remain unchanged:

Level 1 and 2 fees are paid through your local association after registering with Baseball Ontario for your Learning Course and Umpire Camp.   Level 3 fees can be paid directly through the Level 3 registration process.

2023 LEVEL 1 & 2 CERTIFICATION

Level 1 and 2 umpire registration will open in mid-February.   Umpires will register through Baseball Ontario, and fee payment will be made through the local association. There will be up to 3 components to certification:

1. Complete a virtual Umpire Learning Course comprised of a series of independent learning modules.  The total expected time for the course is 2 hours.
2. Attend a 4 hour in-person, locally hosted Developing Umpire Camp.
3. *If 18 or older, complete Baseball Ontario volunteer screening requirements as outlined on the Baseball Ontario website and in the ONDeck app.

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.

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.

ACCELERATED PROGRAM OPTION

Alternatively, adults with prior baseball or officiating background may apply to attend our Accelerated Umpire Program.  This program provides the equivalent of 5-years of Level 1 and 2 training in an accelerated format geared to adult learners.  Successful participants will be certified as Level 2.3 umpires.  Click here for details and to apply.

2023 LEVEL 3 CERTIFICATION

Level 3 umpire registration will open mid-February, and is open to all umpires who have completed the 3-year Level 2 program cycle of The Offense, The Defense, and The Umpire courses. Payment will be made directly to Baseball Ontario through the registration process. There will be up to 3 components to certification:

1. Complete a virtual Level 3 Umpire Learning Course consisting of 3 seminars (The Offense, The Defense, Game Management).
2. Attend a 3.5 hour, in-person, locally hosted “SuperCamp”.   The focus of the “SuperCamp” will be on simulated game situations, pitching machine work, and 3-umpire system walkthroughs.
3. *If 18 or older, complete Baseball Ontario volunteer screening requirements as outlined on the Baseball Ontario website and in the ONDeck app.

Level 3 training occurs on a 3-year cycle comprised of SuperCamp, SuperClinic, and Exam training years.  Level 3 umpires are qualified to work provincial playdowns and Eliminations up to and including Senior level.

LEVEL 4 CERTIFICATION

People often ask what Level 4 is all about. The Level 4 clinic is held under the jurisdiction of Baseball Canada and it 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:

1. Be a Level 3 certified umpire for at least one year.
2. 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.

TO MAINTAIN LEVEL 4 CERTIFICATION:

1. Write the National Exam each year and obtain 86%.
2. Be successfully evaluated by a Senior or Master Course Conductor on two occasions, or have successfully completed a National Championship assignment within the previous 3 years.
3. Attend a Level 4 clinic yearly at your own expense.
4. Pay the required fee.

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.