Umpire Development
The Baseball Ontario Umpire's Committee is dedicated to supporting the development of all umpires in Ontario. Please click the tabs above to explore the many different umpire development opportunities available.
Email umpire@baseballontario.com with any questions you may have.
2023 Certification
2023 LEVEL 1 & 2 CERTIFICATION
Level 1 and 2 umpire registration will open in mid-February. There will be up to 3 components to certification:
- 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.
2023 LEVEL 3 CERTIFICATION
Level 3 umpire registration will open mid-February. There will be up to 3 components to certification:
- Complete a virtual Umpire Learning Course.
- Attend an in-person, locally hosted Advanced Umpire Camp.
- *If 18 or older, complete Baseball Ontario volunteer screening requirements as outlined on the Baseball Ontario website and in the ONDeck app.
BASEBALL ONTARIO IS PLEASED TO REPORT THAT THE LEVEL 3 FEE REMAINS UNCHANGED AT $55.
View an outline of umpire levels and certification requirements.
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. Each year there are 9 National Championships held in Canada and the Umpires for those championships must have a Level 4 status. In Ontario we hold one Level 4 clinic each year. Umpires must be invited to attend this clinic.
Outlined below are the procedures for having a Level 3 certification and how to obtain and maintain a Level 4 certification.
To Attain Level 3
Umpires must have successfully completed the 3-year Level 2 program clinic cycle of The Offense, The Defense, and The Umpire.
Alternatively, umpires may attend the Accelerated Umpire Program to attain Level 2.3 status, and have umpired for at least one year as a 2.3 umpire.
Umpires seeking an exemption to the above may apply in writing at umpire@baseballontario.com
Level 3 umpires are qualified to work Provincially up to and including Senior level.
To Attain Level 4
- 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 evaluation . Please see details of those events (links under Development tab) for more information.
- Pay the required fee set out by the Umpires' Committee.
Requirements to Maintain Status
- 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 set out by the clinic organizer.
If you fail to comply with the above criteria you will forfeit your card for the following year. The responsibility will be the umpires to make the necessary arrangements for evaluation through the Umpire's Committee.
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.
