For many individuals, umpiring for Welland Minor Baseball will be their first ‘real’ job. Umpires can expect to undertake the following responsibilities:
Candidates for the Welland Minor Baseball Umpire Program must be able to meet the following requirements:
AGE: 2026 Umpires must be born in 2014 or earlier
Previous baseball experience: this is not mandatory but definitely an asset.
Welland Minor Baseball umpires will be certified by Baseball Ontario and must attend a clinic annually. A clinic will be hosted by Welland Minor Baseball in the spring of 2026 but other locations are posted on the Baseball Ontario website if you cannot attend the locally hosted clinic. **Space is limited so book a spot early.
Umpiring is a challenging and rewarding job. It requires confidence, the ability to make good judgements and a good knowledge of the rules. To be a good umpire, you must learn to be authoritative, yet always remain calm. The best umpires are those who love and respect the game of baseball and enjoy being part of every game they work. The money they earn is only an additional benefit. As an umpire you will gain immeasurable leadership experience that will help you all throughout your life.
Umpiring is not a job suited for everyone, since decisions are made every single pitch and every single play. A good umpire must concentrate fully on the game, anticipating the next move. They must also realize that mistakes are part of the job, and acknowledging them and learning from them, without losing confidence, is most important. You must always remember that you are there for the players, who depend on you for the fairness of the game.
