Umpires
LATEST UPDATE: FEBRUARY 11, 2026
NEW UMPIRES: If you are interested in becoming an umpire for MDBA please email, Colin Rome UIC @ colin_rome@hotmail.com to ensure we are able to accept you on the MDBA roster. You must be born in 2013 or earlier to begin as an umpire.
HOW TO BECOME AN UMPIRE: https://www.playoba.ca/become-an-umpire. When you create your profile through https://playoba.ca, you will choose your YSBA association as Markham, your role is "umpire" and this profile needs to be in your name, not a parent/guardian and should be your email and unique/different if you already have an OnDeck profile as a player.
UMPIRE CERTIFICATION: https://www.playoba.ca/umpire-certification
RETURNING UMPIRES: Keep an eye out for emails about the upcoming season (February/March), subscribe to Inside Pitch through OBA for updates and update your profile through https://playoba.ca
As a reminder, the Level 1 certification is a 2-year program, 1.1, 1.2 and the Level 2 certification is a 3-year program - 2.1, 2.2, 2.3.
Baseball Ontario Umpire Camps:
For Level 1 or Level 2 umpires: Please visit https://playoba.ca to create/update your profile, registration for camps for 2026 will be through the https://playoba.ca website, you must complete all of your online modules before attending a camp and you may register for any OBA camp (4 hours in length) to be certified to umpire.
For Level 3 umpires: Register for any Level 3 Super Camp in 2026.
REMINDER: ALL LEVEL 1 AND LEVEL 2 UMPIRES MUST ATTEND A CAMP. YOU MUST REGISTER FOR ANY OTHER CAMP OFFERED BY OTHER LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS IF THE MARKHAM CAMP HAS BEEN COMPLETED. NO EXCEPTIONS. IF YOU DON'T ATTEND, YOU WILL NOT BE CERTIFIED, AND THEREFORE, I WILL NOT ASSIGN YOU ANY GAMES.
NOTE: ALL 18+ aged umpires must complete their Vulnerable Sector and Screening Disclosure Forms on the ONDeck App / Website. This is now an annual task.
Umpire FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How do I become a Markham District Baseball Association umpire?
A: First, you must have been born in 2013 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) may be provided a powder blue umpire shirt, ball bag, and hat to be paid to MDBA, you may purchase your own at Silverstar Sports, Eagle Beaver Sports, Amazon, Baseline Sports. Grey pants, black socks, black shoes are your responsibility as part of the uniform required.
A: All other umpires Level 1.2 and higher are expected to have their own uniform and equipment (you must have your own set of plate gear).
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 7U 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 7U and 9U age groups for house league games only. 2nd year umpires typicall do 11U and 13U HL as this will be your first year behind the plate. Level 2 umpires typically do HL and lower aged select/rep. All games are assigned based on umpire availability, experience, ability and other factors.
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 2013 or earlier (13 years or turning 13 in 2026)
- 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