Umpires

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: How do I become a Markham District Baseball Association umpire?

A: First, you must have been born in 2011 or earlier.  Please email Colin Rome, MDBA UIC, who will add you to the umpire distribution list and ensure a spot is available.  All new umpires are required to take an OBA Umpire Clinic to become certified.  
 
Q: I am only available to umpire on certain days of the week.  Is the umpire scheduling flexible?

A: Yes. Many of our umpires play on sports teams themselves or have other commitments on different days of the week.  MDBA UIC uses Google Docs to schedule and asks you at least two weeks before the games you want to do.  The UIC only assigns you to games you have indicated you can umpire. 

You may be asked to do more games if there are open games or cancellations.  Be proactive in checking the schedule for your assignments and open games. 
 
If you cannot do a game you have requested and been assigned, you must contact the UIC no later than 48 hours’ notice of that game and have the UIC arrange coverage.

Q: What is the umpire uniform/equipment, and do I need to provide my own?

A: First-year Umpires (1.1) will be provided an umpire shirt, ball bag, and hat.  

A: All other umpires Level 1.2 and higher are expected to have their own uniform and equipment  
 
A uniform consists of Powder Blue shirt (ALL MDBA HL games use Powder Blue as our official colour), umpire cap, plate brush, ball/strike counter, ball bag, grey coloured pants, a black belt, and black shoes.  Please refrain from wearing baseball pants, baseball belts, or baseball cleats with metal spikes.  Level 2 and 3 umpires are strongly advised to have multiple shirt colours (e.g. Black, Red, Cream, Pink, etc.) & umpire plate shoes.
 
Younger umpires or those doing lower-level house league games using your hockey shin guards or shoulder pads are also a good option.

Q: Will I get yelled at?

A: While baseball is a highly competitive game, there are rules in place to keep arguments at a minimum and protect the umpires. The MDBA has mandated that parents, coaches, and players not argue, challenge, or verbally abuse any umpire on any call made for all our HL games. 
 
One thing to remember: always remain confident with your call. In baseball, there are two teams, and on EACH pitch or play, one of the teams is not going to be happy with the outcome. If there are problems that are not in the normal course of the game, you are encouraged to contact the Umpire-In-Chief, Colin Rome, who will ensure that the situation is looked into. 
 
Senior umpires will also come to the park during the season to mentor you and answer any questions you have. This is your opportunity to ask questions, give feedback, and learn from Senior umpires about aspects of game management.

Q: What is the pay rate?

A:  The pay rate for umpires in MDBA depends on the age level you will be assigned. MDBA uses umpires to officiate all games between the Junior Rookie Level (6-7-year-olds) to Mens Leagues at the house league, select, and Rep levels.  The higher the age level, the higher the pay rate will be.  The pay rates are between $30 and $100 per game.

All first-year umpires should expect to begin umpiring at the Junior Rookie and Rookie age groups for house league games only, with the possibility of doing Mosquito HL or Rookie Rep as the season progresses and after being Mentored by a senior umpire. 

GENERAL INFORMATION

Umpire Responsibilities

For many individuals, umpiring for MDBA will be their first real job. Umpires can expect to undertake the following responsibilities:
- Showing up on time
- Taking charge of a 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 UIC Colin Rome

Requirements

 Umpires for the MDBA must be able to meet the following requirements:
- Umpires must be born in 2011 or earlier (12 years or older)
- Must attend an OBA Umpire Certification Clinic
- Previous baseball experience is not mandatory; however, it definitely is an asset. 
 

Umpire Contact Information

Umpire In Chief

Colin Rome
colin_rome@hotmail.com
Mobile/Cell: 416-668-5957
 
You will be provided with an Umpire Manual and info that will include
·       Umpire Contact List
·       Umpire Schedule – Through Google Docs, it is View Only; only UIC can edit
·       Umpire Availability - Through Google Forms based on your schedule of availability to work
·       Pay Scale/Pay Dates
·       Expectations/Uniform/Equipment
·       Rain Out Procedures

Colin Rome
MDBA UIC
YSBA UIC
YRAA HS Assignor
Team Ontario Astros Assigner