Level 1- Clinic
Level 1 Certification
Certification Level I Clinic – 7 hrs.
The Level I Clinic would be beneficial to all Umpires.
Knowing the proper Mechanics and Rules of the game prior to stepping on the field will make for a more respected official. The Level I Umpire Clinic would also be beneficial to coaches and players, giving them a better understanding of softball, while providing insight into the role officials play in the game.
Sessions are given as classroom instruction as well as drills and practical skill development sessions on a diamond or in a gym. Approximately 50% of the clinic will be activity based.
Topics covered at this clinic include: Rules and Definitions, Plate and Base Umpire Mechanics for Fast Pitch and Slo-Pitch, One and Two umpire systems, the Role of the Umpire, Use of the Rulebook, Umpire Signals and more. Clinic participants will receive a Softball Canada Level I Manual.
Level 2- Clinic
Certification Level II Clinic* – 7 hrs.
The Level II Clinic is phase 2 of the Umpire Certification Program.
Eligibility? Must have taken a Level 1 Clinic a minimum of one (1) year ago.
Umpires wishing to advance and to start officiating at the provincial championships are required to attend this Clinic. Level II Clinic topics include: rules and techniques, umpire guidelines, two-man and three-man systems. This clinic is offered for fast pitch or slo-pitch umpires. Clinic participants will receive a Softball Canada Level 2 Manual.
* Note: Certification Level 2 Clinics are offered as either Fast Pitch or Slo-Pitch or Combined Clinic (Participants must identify whether they are taking fast pitch or slo-pitch certification when registering with clinic host).
Level 3- Clinic
Certification Level III Clinic – 12 hrs.
For Umpires who have completed the Level I and II Certification Clinics, the Certification Level III Clinic is the next step. This clinic may be taken as either a Slo-Pitch or as a Fast Pitch Clinic.
Eligibility? You must be a fully certified Level 2 umpire, and must have taken the Level 2 clinic a minimum of two (2) years ago.
Pre-game meetings, protests, confrontations, substitutions, review of the 3-umpire system and the introduction of a 4-Umpire System, are all covered in this clinic. Many situations based on rules, people skills, and working with partners is presented for discussion. Clinic participants will receive either a Softball Canada Slo-Pitch Level III Manual or a Fast Pitch Level III Manual.
If you are interested in hosting or attending a Level III Clinic, please contact the Softball Ontario office for more information.
* Note: Certification Level II and III Clinics are offered as either Fast Pitch or Slo-Pitch or Combined Clinic (Participants must identify whether they are taking fast pitch or slo-pitch certification when registering with clinic host).
Level 4- Clinic
Certification Level IV Clinic – 12 hrs.
Eligibility? You must be a certified Level III umpire (completed a Level III clinic and evaluated as a Level III on field) and have taken your Level III clinic 2 seasons prior. This Clinic is open to both Slo-Pitch and Fast Pitch officials.
A great many topics presented involve the “Thinking Umpire”. Topics such as the Psychology of Umpiring; Mental Preparation; Relationships with coaches, fellow officials, and spectators; Communication Skills; the Evaluation Process and Canadian Championship Preparation are some of the areas covered. Practical sessions on IV Umpire System and Self Evaluation are also included.
Clinic participants will receive a Softball Canada Level IV Manual.
Contact Softball Ontario – Umpire Program Coordinator
Email: umpirecordinator@softballontario.ca
Phone: 416-426-7150 ext. 102
