2024 Umpire CERTIFICATION Process
Registration is now open. Baseball Ontario is pleased to report that umpire registration fees for 2024 remain unchanged:
| Level 1 | $25.00 |
| Level 2 | $45.00 |
| Level 3 | $55.00 |
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 is now open. 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:
- 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 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.
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.
2024 LEVEL 3 CERTIFICATION
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).
- Complete Level 3 exam (coming soon)
- *If 18 or older, complete Baseball Ontario volunteer screening requirements as outlined on the Baseball Ontario website and in the ONDeck app.
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:
- 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.
To maintain Level 4 certification:
- Write the National Exam each year and obtain 86%.
- 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.
- Attend a Level 4 clinic yearly at your own expense.
- 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.
Umpires Returning After Absence
Return to Umpiring in 2023
Were you a Level 2 or 3 umpire who did not certify in 2022? We want you back!
We are offering a special “Return to Umpiring” opportunity allowing umpires who were certified in any of the years from 2019 – 2021 to return to umpiring with no loss of level. In order to take advantage of this opportunity, please complete the form to process your request.
All that is required is:
- Pay a small $25 administrative fee, in addition to the regular 2023 certification fee for your level
- Write a short online test related to learning covered in the year(s) you missed.
Upon completion of these Return to Umpiring requirements, you will then be eligible to complete this year’s regular certification at the level you would have been if you hadn’t missed any years!
EXAMPLE #1 : Sheena was a Level 2.1 umpire in 2020, but did not certify in any years since then. She will pay the $25 “Return to Umpiring” fee, and complete two short online tests related to material from her missed years of 2021 and 2022. After that, she will be eligible to complete this year’s Level 2 modules and attend an umpire camp in order to be certified as a Level 2.2 in 2023.
EXAMPLE #2: Arif was a Level 2.3 umpire in 2021 but did not certify last year. He will pay the $25 “Return to Umpiring” fee, and complete one short online test related to material missed in 2022. After that, he will be eligible to complete this year’s Level 3 modules and attend a SuperCamp in order to be certified as a Level 3 in 2023.
If you know of any other umpires who might be interested in this opportunity, please share this information with them.
How to register for 2024 Certification
visit the 2024 certification page here
