General Information (Port Dover Minor Baseball)

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Interested in Umpiring Local Baseball?

Any queries should be directed to the Umpire In Chief for Port Dover Minor Baseball- please refer to our Contact List for details.

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An Identification number will be provided and the umpire is referred to by their identification number for all future actions

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General Information

Thank you for being part of Port Dover Minor Baseball as a new or returning Umpire.

Noted below are a few details that answer questions that you may have.

Please take a moment and review the forms and information on a regular basis that are posted on Port Dover Minor Baseball website under the Umpire menu 

Umpire Responsibility and Commitment

  • If you commit to do a game, you have to be there on time.
  • If you forget, the game suffers, our reputation suffers and worst of all your reputation suffers.
  • Know the rules they are posted on the Port Dover Minor Baseball website under the umpire Menu and OBA Umpire Links.
  • Focus on constant learning and improvement.

Rain Outs

  • You must show up to the field unless notified otherwise.
  • You do not get paid if the game is cancelled before game time and you had not arrived yet.  It is essential that you keep your cell phone on or check messages prior to leaving for the game.

Umpire Assignments

  • If you are unable to make a game due to an unexpected emergency situation, email the Umpire in Chief ( Contact List )  so that an appropriate replacement can be found
  • If you do not show up to a game without any communication, you will be contacted bythe umpire in chief and receive a warning of potential removal from future commitments.
  • The Head Coach will contact the scheduler immediately of the late arrival or absence of an umpire. 

The Game 

  • Umpires are to arrive NO LATER than a minimum of 20-30 minutes before the game time.
  • Announce your arrival at the field to the Head Coach upon arrival.
  • NEVER have the teams wait for umpires to walk to the field 
  • The Home team is responsible for providing game balls. 
  • Review the ground rules 5 minutes before the scheduled start time. 
  • Keep the players and coaches hustling on and off the field in between innings.  The umpire has control of the game. 
  • You need to show confidence and authority at all times.
  • Do not hesitate to speak loud and clear to the coaches to ensure a smooth and consistent game pace is maintained at all times.

Forfeits

  • A 15-minute grace period is given before the game can be declared a forfeit.

Ensuring You Are An Effective Umpire

  • Positioning: Always get the best position to call plays in the field.
  • Do not let coaches, players, fans, etc. intimidate you to call a ‘different’ call.  If anyone yells at you, or harasses you, the umpire in chief will back you up if you eject the problem person.  All coaches are aware of this fact.  Have a conversation with the second umpire.  NEVER change a judgement call because of pressure from anyone.
  • After consultation with the second umpire provide a brief explanation for your decision.
  • Make calls LOUD and CLEAR and with CONFIDENCE.
  • Take your time.  If you rush your calls, you will tend to make mistakes and have to correct yourself later.  Try to do it right the first time. 
  • Always be polite, but firm.
  • Don’t lose your cool. Don’t swear.
  • Old Umpire saying: “If there are two people on the field yelling you don’t want to be one of them.”
  • Hold your temper when others are angry.
  • Judgement: Show a very good knowledge and application of the rules
  • Do not rush a game or appear to be rushing a game to leave early. It will be reported to the Scheduler.
     

Role of the Umpire

  • Attend yearly OBA clinics to maintain or increase your certification levels.
  • Know the rules of baseball.
  • Read and understand everything in this document.
  • Report ANY incidents or problems to the Umpire in chief ASAP.
  • Wear the proper uniform and equipment at all times.  
  • Bring your equipment with you at all times.  You will be told whether you are a base or plate umpire the morning of the game.

Please Always Report 

  • Umpiring a game alone and you were not advised
  • Any incident or problem with a coach or player. (ie: delay of game, language, alcohol or substance abuse, etc.)
  • Clarification of a rule
  • Protested game
  • In the case of ejections please carry out the following:
  • Halt the game until the person(s) involved have exited the playing area.
  • If they continue to act in an inappropriate manner ie: verbally abusive. You can once again halt the game and ask the person(s) to leave to the parking lot.
  • Take a mental note or write down any players numbers if applicable/ejected as you will need to note for the incident report (either the plate or base umpire).
  • Contact  the Umpire in Chief immediately following the game to report the incident and follow it up with a completed incident report that is available on the our website.
  • Don’t ponder about what you may have done incorrectly. At this point PDMBA will follow up on the incident and resolve the situation with the disciplinary committee.

Umpires Uniform 

Umpires must wear a proper uniform at all games consisting of:

  • Navy umpire hat
  • Light blue umpiring shirt (Ontario Baseball approved). Partners must match.
  • Grey Pants (no stripes or patterns)
  • Protective Cup is suggested
  • Shin pads under pants not over pants.
  • Jacket must be solid navy or black.

Umpire's Equipment

  • Port Dover Minor Baseball will stock a chest protector, a face mask and shin guards at the diamond.  You should however endeavour to purchase your own equipment. 
  • Ensure that the equipment you borrow is returned to the concession in the condition that your received it.  Anyone seen damaging equipment will be responsible to replace it.
  • You will be required to attend your scheduled game with a ball bag, brush, time piece and clicker.  These are essential supplies that must come with you for each game. 

Rules

Umpires are expected to know the following rules:

  • The Official Rules of Baseball as published by Baseball Canada
  • The Ontario Baseball Association Rules
  • Southern Counties Baseball Rules Rep League
  • Simcoe Minor Baseball Rules for house league
  • Tournament rules (discussed with convener at the tournament) if applicable.