UMPIRES

• 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 the LMBA and BCBUA.
• Umpires will work co-operatively with the allocator for the LMBA 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 15U, 18U and 26U 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 the LMBA 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”.
• Calls made by the umpire cannot be challenged.
• Only at 15U (Bantam) and above - 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.
• The 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.

For the 2024 Season

If you were born in 2014 or earlier and would like to umpire for LMBA:

1. Complete the LMBA registration form (Click here)
2. Register with the BC Baseball Umpire Association (BCBUA) (Click here)
3. After Step 2 is completed and you are able to sign into the BCBUA member area, register for:
   • a BCBUA online clinic (Click here). Note this session is approximately 3.5 hours and must be completed in one sitting. A BCBUA lead will facilitate the session that is a mix of discussion groups and modules the participants will do on their own during a specific time period including a short knowledge test that must be completed, followed by a group discussion to review the module.
   • a BCBUA in person practical clinic (Click here).
     • Level 1 Clinics are for anyone umpiring 11U or below.
     • Level 2 Clinics are for anyone umpiring 13U.
4. Once you have completed all your training, you are now eligible to be assigned. Watch your email for an email from Arbiter Sports - this is the program our allocators use to assign games but you need to set up an account first. See the "Arbiter Sports - Umpire Assigning App" section for more details on using the app.

Umpires should wear the following attire for all assigned games:

• Black Hat (plain or with BCBUA logo - see www.pro-image.ca/caps)

• Black Umpire Shirt (both umpires must wear matching shirts - see above for an update on uniforms)
• Charcoal Grey (or heather grey) pants (this is probably the hardest to find - options include www.pro-image.ca/pants or places like The Children's Place or sometimes Old Navy in their school uniform sections. The key here is to find something as close to charcoal grey as you can with belt loops.)

• Black Belt (plate umpires will be wearing a ball bag, so a black belt is very much needed)

• Black Socks

• Black Shoes or Cleats 

When you are Plate Umpire:

• have a ball bag with indicator and brush (see: www.pro-image.ca/accessories - approx. $30 per set)
• wear a protective cup (Jock / Jill) under their pants
• for 15U and above: consider having “plate” shoes or shoes with steel toes for protection
• chest protector and leg guards should worn under your shirt and pants, but younger umpires can wear these over top if cannot fit under.
• hat will be worn in a forward position underneath mask (again see www.pro-image.ca/caps) unless you are using the goalie-style mask.

UMPIRE PAY RATES             PLATE                         BASE            

9UTadpole                               P - $25                        B - $20

11UMosquito                          P - $30                        B - $25

13UPee Wee                           P - $40                         B - $35

13U Pee Wee AAA/AA           P - $45                         B - $40

15U Bantam                            P - $50                        B - $45

15UAA Bantam AA                P - $60                         B - $50

18U Midget                              P - $80                        B - $70

26U Jr Men                             P - $90                        B - $80

**In games with only one umpire, the umpire shall be paid both plate and base rates combined(C)**

Bell Park - 9U Division

Umpire equipment and game balls are stored in the small room next to the women's washroom. The key to the room is in the small lock box (picture on right). If you do not know the code to this box, be sure to send an email to the umpire in chief or the 9U Division Manager at least 48 hours in advance of your game so you can get a response in time.

Plate umpires:

• if you do not have your own, select the chest protector, shin guards and mask that best fits you and ensure they fit well before you leave the room.
• Take two game balls from the shelf for the game - no more than two should be used for any game, and at least one of the balls should be given to the home team at the end of the game. If a ball is not used, or is in almost new condition, put it back into the umpire storage room to be used in another game.
• Once you are done getting your equipment/balls, be sure to lock the door and return the key to the coaches' box before you go onto the field so the next umpire can also get ready for their game.

Maple Crescent Park - 11U Division

Umpire equipment and game balls are located in the concession building below the sink immediately inside the door. There is a lockbox on the door, and if you do not know the code, contact the Umpire in Chief or the 11U Division Manager prior to your game to receive it.

Plate umpires:

• if you do not have your own, select the chest protector, shin guards and mask that best fits you and ensure they fit well before you leave the room.
• Take two game balls from the shelf for the game - no more than two should be used for any game, and both should be given to the home team at the end of the game.
• Once you are done getting your equipment/balls, be sure to close the door unless the concession worker has asked you to keep it open. It doesn't latch but it does provide a barrier from people walking in.

Cromie Park - 13U and 15U Divisions

Umpires at the 15U level are expected to have their own equipment. Equipment is available onsite for those assigned to the 13U if needed. 13U umpire equipment are located in the sea-can next to the 13U field. This should be unlocked by the time the umpires arrive. Coaches will provide game balls directly to the umpires at the 13U and older divisions.

Allocation of games as an umpire

• The LMBA utilizes an umpire allocation software program called ArbiterSport.
• Once you have completed your training, you will receive an email directly from the ArbiterSport system. Note, each umpire must have their own email address as this is used as an identifier in the software program.
• After you register, please make sure you set yourself as available.
• One of the benefits of this system is umpires will have the ability to block out dates that they are unavailable to umpire (such as a day with a recurring practice) and thus the allocators can assign games based on your availability.
  • Click here for instructions on how to set up blocks in the calendar to let the assignors know when you are NOT available
  • Please try to keep this updated as your schedule changes. It is the single most important thing you can do to help our LMBA assignors.
• When you are assigned to a game, you will receive an email from Arbiter indicating you've been scheduled for a game. You enter the Arbiter system via ArbiterSports.com - League Administration Software and then either accept or decline a game based on your availability.

BC Baseball Umpires Association  (BCBUA)

2024 BC Minor Baseball Rule book

9U Rules - Spring Season - scroll down

11U Rules - Spring Season - click on Spring Season section