Being an Umpire

Umpire Responsibilities

For many individuals, umpiring for Baseball Oakville will be their first ‘real’ job. Umpires can expect to undertake the following responsibilities:

• Showing up on time, taking charge of a game and creating an environment for youths to have fun playing baseball
• Learning, interpreting and enforcing rules of the game
• Making quick, accurate decisions and standing by those decisions
• Balance umpire commitments with school, playing baseball and other activities
• Keeping a schedule and record of games umpired
• Communicating their concerns, questions and problems to the Umpire-In-Chief in a timely manner

Program Requirements

Candidates for the Baseball Oakville Umpire Program must be able to meet the following requirements:

AGE:  Umpires must be at least 13 years old by the start of the season (May 1 of current year). Umpires that are 12 years old can be considered for umpiring by contacting our Umpire Scheduler Heidi Dombek - [email protected]

Previous baseball experience: this is not mandatory but definitely an asset.

Baseball Oakville umpires will be certified by Baseball Ontario and must attend a clinic annually. A clinic will be hosted by Baseball Oakville but other locations are posted on the Baseball Ontario website if you cannot attend the locally hosted clinic. **Space is limited so book a spot early.

Why Umpire?

Umpiring is a challenging and rewarding job. It requires confidence, the ability to make good judgements and a good knowledge of the rules.  To be a good umpire, you must learn to be authoritative, yet always remain calm.  The best umpires are those who love and respect the game of baseball and enjoy being part of every game they work.  The money they earn is only an additional benefit. As an umpire you will gain immeasurable leadership experience that will help you all throughout your life.

Umpiring is not a job suited for everyone, since decisions are made every single pitch and every single play.  A good umpire must concentrate fully on the game, anticipating the next move. They must also realize that mistakes are part of the job, and acknowledging them and learning from them, without losing confidence, is most important.  You must always remember that you are there for the players, who depend on you for the fairness of the game.

Mentorship Program

As a junior umpire with Baseball Oakville we are committed to working with you all season long to make sure you feel comfortable with every aspect of umpiring a baseball game. This includes your on-field umpiring skills and knowledge of the rules.  You will have the chance to work with more senior umpires who will offer you constructively important feedback so as to learn and improve your own skills.