Umpires Overview

"I never questioned the integrity of an umpire.  Their eyesight, yes." - Leo Durocher

 

So why become an umpire?

  • Umpiring builds character - responsibility, dedication, commitment, making quick decisions and confidence.  Perfect for entering the future pressure- filled workforce.
  • You want a better understanding of the intricate rules of baseball.  Umpires have to study and become familiar with the baseball rule book.
  • Umpiring helps to keep teens active and involved.  We need umpires for 5 levels of baseball (2 umpires per game), in House League, Select and Rep divisions.  That adds up to a lot of umpires needed over the course of the season.  Opportunity awaits!
  • Umpires earn money!

 

How old do I have to be?

  • Umpires have to be a minimum of 12 years old (born in 2013 or later for the 2025 season).

 

Do I need to play baseball first?

  • No, but any previous baseball experience and knowledge is going to be a big asset obviously.

 

Do I need any special certification?

  • Yes.  All umpires must complete a Baseball Ontario Umpire Development certification course annually:
  1. Complete a virtual Umpire Learning Course comprised of a series of independent learning modules.
  2. Attend a 4 hour in-person, locally hosted Developing Umpire Camp.

Are there different umpire levels?

Yes, there are 5 levels:

Level 1 - This is a two year level.  Levels 1.1 (1st year) and 1.2 (2nd year) must be completed

in 2 consecutive years.  This is the starting point of all umpires.

Level 2 - After completing two consecutive years of Level 1, umpires can then move on to Level 2

in their third consecutive year of umpiring.  This is a three year level (Levels 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3)

Level 3 -  After completing three consecutive years at Level 2, umpires can complete Level 3 by completing the virtual Level 3 Umpire Learing Course.

Levels 4 and 5 are for those who wish to umpire at the national program level.

 

For more details about umpire levels, click here:  https://www.playoba.ca/umpire-levels

 

How do I get started?

New participants must first register on the Baseball Ontario ONDeck app (downloaded from the App Store, Play Store, etc.).

Both the Online Learning Course and the Developing Umpire Camp can be booked on the app.

 

To register, go to: https://ondeck.baseballontario.com/baseball-ontario-ondeck/register

 

New umpires select Level 1.1 to get started.  Register and then complete the virtual Umpire Learning Course.

Participants are welcome to register for an Umpire Camp online, OR, wait for York Baseball's announcement about the EBA's Spring Umpire Clinic, and register for it.

 

Returning umpires can log in to their OnDeck profiles, and select the umpire level that is one higher than their previous year's certification.  Complete the virtual Umpire Learning Course and register for an Umpire Camp.

 

For further information about Baseball Ontario certified umpires: https://www.playoba.ca/

 

What is expected of a York Baseball umpire?

  • Umpires must know and understand the rules of baseball pertaining to the games they will be umpiring at York Baseball.  This includes all division and level specific rules.
  • Umpires are dressed in OBA designated umpire attire - navy blue, or the new black, collared umpire shirts (tucked into your pants), dark grey pants (absolutely no blue jeans or shorts), and please try to wear black shoes or black cleats.
  • Short brimmed umpire hats are recommended but not mandatory. York baseball hats are fine to wear during House League games, but definitely not during Select games.
  • Umpires need 2 pieces of equipment: a count clicker and a hand brush to clean off home plate.  All other types of equipment (face masks, chest protectors and shin guards) are optional.
  • Arrive on time, 15 minutes before game time, and be ready to officiate at game start time.
  • Umpires officiate the games in a professional and unbiased manner, as per the rules of baseball.
  • Work together and communicate with their umpiring partner.
  • Speak loudly and clearly throughout the game, communicating about calls and decisions to coaches and players

 

Any questions?   

If you have any questions regarding umpiring with York Baseball, contact Alice Teramoto (Umpire Coordinator) at yorkumpires@gmail.com