Umpiring is an important job required to make sure that all baseball, softball and slo pitch games are played according to the rules and on time.

Umpiring can be an excellent way to get involved in your community, learn more about your favourite sports and stay active. You'll be able to stay fit by running small distances in the infield to observe plays, all while developing your leadership and decision-making skills.

Check out these 5 easy steps on how to become an umpire in Canada to get started on a rewarding umpiring career path today.

Why would you want to be an umpire?

Umpiring is a great way to earn a decent wage. It can be a part-time or full-time job, depending on your availability and the number of games you choose to officiate. Rates of pay are usually very competitive and many umpires also have the opportunity to have expenses (such as travel, meals, etc.) reimbursed.

Umpiring will also give you an opportunity to meet new people and develop good relationships with coaches, players and other umpires - which could lead to more opportunities (and money) for you in the future.

How do I become an Umpire in Canada?

1. Know the Basics

You'll need to know all the rules and regulations of the sport, and the rules specific to each league you’re officiating. Visit the Umpire Cheat Sheet website or mobile app to verify the rules of the league or event you’re umpiring.

2. Get Certified

Take an umpiring course with a local baseball association or governing body. In Canada, there are provincial baseball associations and organizations such as SPO and SPN which have online umpire exams. SPN’s Umpire Exam allows you to retry the test as many times as necessary until you pass, at which point you can decide whether or not you’d like to purchase your Umpire Certificate.

In order to be an umpire in Canada, you must be 18-19 years of age or older in most cases. This is largely because of the safety regulations and insurance restrictions put in place by sanctioning organizations.

3. Join an Umpiring Organization

Start out as a junior umpire and join an umpiring crew with experienced umpires. This will help you learn the ropes and the intricacies of the sport.

Taking direction and constructive criticism from these more experienced umpire will allow you to quickly grow and improve, giving you the opportunity to advance into umpiring more competitive events.

Start out by contacting your local organization, or try registering as an umpire with SPO (Slo-Pitch Ontario), SPN (Slo-Pitch National) or NSA (National Slo-Pitch Association).

4. Attend a clinic.

Most umpiring organizations offer clinics for new and returning umpires as part of your membership. Clinics provide you with a more thorough understanding of the rules and regulations.

Take additional courses and clinics to learn the rules and regulations of umpiring, and use the experience as a change to ask any questions you may have.

5. Find games to Umpire

Once you have completed your training and education, and have passed your certification exam, you can begin working as an umpire. You can find games to umpire by contacting local leagues, or by checking with your local umpiring association & Umpire in Chief for opportunities.

Summary

Overall, it’s fairly easy to get started as an umpire in Canada. Once you have completed your training and education, and have passed your certification exam, you can begin working as an umpire as soon as you’re available.

Note that the specific process to become an umpire in Canada may vary slightly depending on the province or territory you live in. However, no matter where you are umpiring, you will need to know the rules and regulations for each league and organization.

Keep track of all the rules in one convenient place with Umpire Cheat Sheet.