It’s been said that it’s the best seat in the house, except you can’t sit down.
Being an umpire allows you to be involved in the game of baseball in a way that provides a different aspect to the game. It provides you with training and allows you to develop confidence and leadership skills.
Check out the video below about some of reasons you might want to become an umpire. We provide the training and you can make some great extra income too!
Tsawwassen Amateur Baseball is in full support of BC Baseball’s Code of Conduct that provides for an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect. Whether you are a player, coach, parent or umpire … the Code of Conduct applies to you.
Tsawwassen Amateur Baseball will reimburse the BCBUA membership fees for players registered to play in the TABA and will provide protective equipment for umpires at the lower divisions.
UMPIRE EXPECTATIONS
- It is expected that umpires will take BCBUA sponsored clinics annually, and will strive to continue learning through a mentorship program.
- Umpires will respect the dress code put in place by TABA and BCBUA.
- Umpires will work co-operatively with the allocator for TABA and will ensure that they keep their availability up-to-date and accept their assigned games in a timely manner.
- Umpires will notify the allocator as soon as possible if they cannot keep their commitment of their assignment.
- Umpires will show up 30 minutes prior to their assigned game time. This will allow the umpires time to put on their equipment; have a pre-game discussion; and will be prepared to be on the field 10 minutes early to have a “plate meeting” with the coaches.
- Umpires will have the appropriate equipment for their level and position.
- Umpires will ensure that any shared protective equipment is returned to its proper place following the game and will notify the Umpire in Chief if there is an issue with any of the equipment.
- Umpires that are routinely assigned to Bantam, Midget and Jr. Men’s divisions are expected to have their own protective equipment.
RESPECTING UMPIRES
At the lower divisions the umpires are routinely only one division removed from the level they are officiating. All umpires, regardless of their age, continue to learn throughout their umpire career. Their goal will be to work hard to get the call right and apply the appropriate rule.
Umpires deserve the respect and cooperation of all coaches, players and parents. BC Baseball and TABA have zero tolerance in regards to verbal or physical abuse of umpires.
During scheduled games, the umpires take charge of the game once they meet with the coaches at the “plate meeting”. List
- Judgment calls made by the umpire cannot be challenged.
- At 15U (Bantam) and 18U (Midget) – plays involving an interpretation of a rule may be questioned by the head coach, provided the coach requests “Time” and asks to speak to the umpire. The umpire may meet with the coach and have a conversation regarding the call. There are to be no raised voices or intimidation of any kind allowed. The umpire may discuss the rule with their partner and will either uphold their ruling decision or change it based on the “new evidence”. The umpire’s decision at that point will be final.
- At 13U (PeeWee) and below, no coach or player will be allowed to question any call.
- Coaches will be responsible for their fans at a game and an umpire may direct a coach to deal with a fan that they feel is disrespecting an umpire or player.
- Every umpire has the authority to eject a player or coach. Ejections will be reported to the Umpire in Chief and the BCBUA. BC Baseball mandates that there are suspensions attached to the ejection of a player or coach.
Coaches will be given the opportunity to provide feedback on umpires to the Umpire in Chief.
UMPIRE PAY RATES (updated 2023)
| LEVEL | PLATE | BASE | One Umpire |
| Tadpole | $25 | $20 | $45 |
| Mosquito | $30 | $25 | $55 |
| Pee Wee | $40 | $35 | $75 |
| Pee Wee AA/AAA | $45 | $40 | $85 |
| Bantam | $50 | $45 | $95 |
| Bantam AA | $55 | $50 | $105 |
| Midget | $80 | $70 | $150 |
| Jr. Mens | $90 | $80 | $170 |
DRESS CODE
Umpires for all Divisions
Black Hat without logo – exception is hat with BCBUA logo
Black or Powder Blue Umpire Shirt (both umpires must wear matching shirts)
Heather Grey or Charcoal Grey pants
Black Belt
Black Socks
Black Shoes
Plate umpire
- will have at least one ball bag with indicator and brush
- must wear a protective cup (Jock / Jill) under their pants
- for 15U level and above, plate umpire should consider having “plate” shoes or shoes with steel toes for protection
- chest protector will be worn underneath shirt and shin guards will be worn under pants
- hat will be worn in a forward position underneath mask
UMPIRE IN CHARGE
For inquiries or interest in umpiring, please contact Mitch Friedman at mitchf7@comcast.net