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This message is for new and returning umpires for the 2024 Season. You can scroll down to find the heading that applies to you for an update.
*BEING AN UMPIRE*
Umpires must be at least 13 years of age by May 1, 2024 (if you are 12 years old and want to umpire, please reach out to our umpire scheduler at hjdombek@gmail.com). We are always looking for adult umpires to certify and parent/child partners is a great experience!
As an umpire, you're in charge of making a variety of subjective calls and rulings over the course of a baseball game. While this can be a lot of fun, it can also be challenging but we are always here to support you and answer any questions you may have. We ensure new umpires start out on House League games where there is less pressure and this provides them lots of opportunity to gain experience and become more comfortable making calls. Umpiring is a great way to build confidence. For many young umpires, this will be their first paying job which is both exciting and rewarding!
*NEW UMPIRES*
Umpire certification will be a combination of the following (both are required for certification):
Online Training - this will consist of modules to complete which will focus on the basics of umpiring, rules, positioning etc. by watching videos and taking quizzes. This takes about 2 hours total but can be broken down by module if you cannot complete the 2 hours in one sitting.
In-person Camp - you will receive in-person instruction and mentoring on how to make calls, positioning etc. and will be based on what you have learned from the on-line training.
First create a profile by registering at https://ondeck.baseballontario.com/baseball-ontario-ondeck/register
When creating your profile, select Level 1.1 as your role in the ONDeck system. You will then have access to the Level 1 Getting Started online learning modules and will be able to select a locally hosted Umpire Camp to attend in person. Completion of both the online and in-person components is required for certification in 2024.
Baseball Ontario will open up registration TOMORROW February 1st. This will allow you access to their online modules.
We have applied and are waiting on approval from Baseball Ontario to host 2 in-person camps locally. Camps should be announced shortly and you can check using this link: https://www.playoba.ca/umpire-camps
Once you see the list of camps available, if our camps don't work with your schedule, you can attend any camp listed and still umpire in Oakville but please let our scheduler know at hjdombek@gmail.com if you are attending outside of Oakville so that your name is included on our contact list for updates.
*RETURNING LEVEL 1 or 2 UMPIRES*
Log in to your OnDeck Profile at https://ondeck.baseballontario.com/
When updating your profile in OnDeck, select the role that is one level higher than your 2023 certification.
Examples:
A Level 1.1 umpire in 2023 would select the Level 1.2 role
A Level 1.2 umpire in 2023 would select the Level 2.1 role
A Level 2.1 umpire in 2023 would select the Level 2.2 role
A Level 2.2 umpire in 2023 would select the Level 2.3 role
A Level 2.3 umpire in 2023 would select the Level 3 role. See information below for returning Level 3 umpires.
If you are uncertain of the certification role you should select, contact hjdombek@gmail.com.
After updating your profile, you will then have access to the appropriate online Learning Modules for your level, and will be able to select a locally hosted Umpire Camp to attend in-person. Completion of both the online and in-person components is required for certification in 2024.
Baseball Ontario will open up registration TOMORROW February 1st. This will allow you access to their online modules.
We have applied and are waiting on approval from Baseball Ontario to host 2 in-person camps locally. Camps should be announced shortly and you can check using this link: https://www.playoba.ca/umpire-camps
Once you see the list of camps available, if our camps don't work with your schedule, you can attend any camp listed and still umpire in Oakville but please let our scheduler know at hjdombek@gmail.com if you are attending outside of Oakville so that your name is included on our contact list for updates.
*NEW OR RETURNING LEVEL 3 UMPIRES*
Log in to your OnDeck Profile at https://ondeck.baseballontario.com/
When updating your profile in ONDeck, select the Level 3 role. Then, click on “Complete Level 3 Umpire” where you will be able to pay your $55.00 certification fee online in ONDeck.
You will also then be able to select the Level 3 Exam to complete online (opens February 15).
After payment of your registration fee, you will have access to complete your online exam and modules shortly
Completion of both the online and exam components is required for Level 3 certification in 2024.
*UMPIRES RETURNING AFTER AN ABSENCE*
Were you a Level 2 or 3 umpire who did not certify in 2023? 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 2024 certification fee for your level
- Complete modules from the missed year(s) as directed.
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!
*FEES*
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. In some cases, your association may charge a small additional Local Registration Fee. In any case, your registration fees are usually recovered within one or two game fees.
The $55.00 Level 3 fee is paid directly through the Level 3 registration process, as described above.
*VOLUNTEER SCREENING REQUIREMENTS FOR ADULT UMPIRES (18+)*
All adult umpires (18 years and older) must also complete volunteer screening requirements in addition to the specific requirements of their umpire level.
The screening requirements vary depending on which of 3 risk categories you have been placed in by your Local Association. Contact your local scheduler to determine your risk category (hjdombek@gmail.com).
Visit our Umpire Screening Requirements page for specific information, or view the details in the Umpire Zone of the ONDeck app.
Should you have any questions, please reach out to our umpire scheduler Heidi Dombek at hjdombek@gmail.com.
Thank you for your interest!
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