UMPIRES
CMBA Umpires are assigned to games using the Assignr.com website. Click here to login and view your games. https://cmba.assignr.com/login
Have you ever considered becoming more involved in minor baseball, learning more about the game of baseball, giving back to the community and ensuring that kids have a safe and fun place to play, and make a few extra bucks on the side as well?
Umpiring for Cambridge Minor Baseball may be something for you to consider. The requirements to start involve being 12 years of age and have some experience playing or a base knowledge of the rules of baseball.
Click over to https://www.playoba.ca/. Once there under the main banner you will find several tabs including the Umpires tab. There you will find a wealth of information about how to become an umpire. Baseball Ontario holds many camps designed for levels 1, 2 and 3 that educate you on the basics of how to umpire, how to make calls, how to position yourself and some practical workshops to help you get off the ground and be ready to umpire. All umpire camps for the 2023 season are complete, however there will be new information on new clinics likely starting in March of 2024. The cost for level 1 camps over the last several years has been $25 which you pay to take the clinic. This $25 however will be reimbursed to you at the end of the season pending fulfillment of a specified number of games in the year. Once you are registered you can download an app for your phone called OnDeck that you can get from your app store as well you can visit the website https://ondeck.baseballontario.com/ to get a wealth of information as well as help you complete the mandatory (for 18+) screening process to become an umpire
Upfront costs to become an umpire are basic to the registration fee for the umpire training camp for Baseball Ontario and a charge at the start of the year during equipment pickup for a powder blue umpire shirt, ball bag and brush and an umpire hat (it has a smaller brim than most hats so it can be worn with your mask on plate and these are yours to keep. No need to go out and buy equipment, the face mask, chest protector and shin guards are all provided for you at no cost for the season at specified dates for pickup, though they must be returned at the end of the season.
We have a scheduling database called Assignr that we use to facilitate getting all of our games done. All you have to do is set your availability, a very simple process that can be easily modified at any time, and our umpire assignor will put level appropriate umpires onto the games determined by when they are available. You won't be assigned to a game on a day you say you are not available, so if you are going away to the cottage for a week, mark as unavailable and enjoy your vacation.
Not sure you would really know what to do as an umpire, no worries we have established a mentoring system in Cambridge Minor Baseball, no one is thrown to the wolves. Along with your Baseball Ontario training, for your first few games you will be placed in low stress, low level games with an established umpire who brings experience and will help you to learn about the game and gain confidence on the field and help you understand the rules of baseball better. Generally speaking, your rookie year will be in the house league system which plays from Monday to Thursday each week.
There are many resources out there, especially on the Baseball Ontario website and On Deck app for umpires. They have the official rules of baseball (pro rules), which Baseball Ontario uses, as well as rule summaries, positioning manuals, videos explaining specific situations all geared to help make you become a more competent umpire.
To sum up:
To be an OBA carded umpire for CMBA in 2024
- Must be at least 12 years of age (or turning 12 the same year)
- Must have playing and/or rule knowledge of baseball.
- Rookie umpires typically work in the house league divisions in their first season.
- Rookie umpires have mentor umpires working with them in their first few games.
- Must attend the OBA clinic held typically in March or April) and complete the online modules. The cost of the clinic. $25. Will be reimbursed at the end of the season pending fulfillment of a specified minimum number of games.
- Understand that payment for games is once per month.
- Become familiar with a scheduling database.
- Use the OBA app “On Deck”.
- Will need to purchase a shirt, cap, and ball bag kit from CMBA.
- Will be provided (no cost) with shin pads, mask, and chest protector at the beginning of the season, and which will be returned at the end of the season.
- House league schedule runs Monday to Thursday
- Umpires over 18 years of age will need to complete the mandatory Volunteer Screening/Vulnerable Sector check.
Please note, the CMBA Umpire Assignor officiates within CMBA only and is not in charge of, or affiliated with the certification of umpires. Any questions about the clinic, the registration, or accessing the OBA website must be directed to the OBA at 519 740-3900.