Softball Canada levels are assigned as follows:
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
Level 6 - Inactive Level 5's
Who Assigns Levels & How Do I Move Up?
Softball Ontario adopts the Softball Canada level system. Softball
Ontario incorporates it's own 2B, 2A & 3B, 3A for progression purposes.
Softball Ontario can appoint umpires up to Level 3. Level 4 & 5
appointments can be made by Softball Canada only, following select
Canadian Championship tournaments.
Softball Ontario Evaluators may only recommend an umpire for a
particular level. The actual appointment must be approved by either the
ZUIC, PUIC or Umpire Committee members depending on the level to be
assigned.
Levels 1 through 3B may be granted by the ZUIC, PUIC or committee
members.
Level 3A can only be granted by the PUIC or committee members.
Levels 4 & 5 can only be granted by Softball Canada.
Softball Ontario On-Field Evaluation Performance Levels
Level 1
- Softball Ontario carded
- Must have previously attended Level 1 certification clinic
- Demonstrates mechanics at a level consistent with those instructed at
Level 1 clinic
- Demonstrates an interest in the game and in developing as an official
- Attempted to adopt any recommendations made during the evaluation
process
Level 2B
- Must have previously attended Level 2 certification clinic
- Demonstrates mechanics at a level consistent with those instructed at
Level 2 clinic
- Some areas of performance are below acceptable level but improvements
were noted
- Clinic materials require review and evaluation suggestions need to be
implemented
Level 2A
- Demonstrates more consistency of Level 2 mechanics than a 2B
umpire
- Willing to accept constructive criticism and adopt evaluation
recommendations
- Most areas of performance are at an acceptable level but some areas
require improvement
Level 3B
- Must have previously attended Level 3 certification clinic
- Demonstrates mechanics and rules knowledge consistent with those
instructed at a Level 3 clinic
- Demonstrates more consistency that a Level 2 umpire
- A few areas of officiating skills require instruction and improvement
- May only be granted by ZUIC/PUIC/Umpire Committee Members
- May only be granted at Midget Rep FP (or higher) or Adult Competitive
SP
Level 3A
- Clearly surpasses expected requirements and has no major
deficiencies
- Mechanics are demonstrated consistently in all game situations
- Could be a Level 4 with some "polishing" of mechanics
- May only be granted by PUIC/Committee Members
- May only be granted at Midget Rep FP (or higher) or Adult Competitive
SP
Level 4
- Must have previously attended Level 4 clinic
- Softball Canada evaluation and recommendation following selected
Canadian Championship tournaments
Level 5
- Softball Canada evaluation and recommendation following selected
Canadian Championship tournaments
What do evaluators look for?
Getting to the next level is not as easy as just doing one good game on
a weekday night. Getting to the next level takes a lot of hard work &
commitment and your skills are developed over time. The purpose of an
evaluation is to make you a better official, not simply to increase your
on-field level. You must demonstrate consistency in all game situations
over a period of time.
Evaluators are looking for many different things which include, but are
not limited to appearance, game control, communication, consistency,
judgment, attitude (both on & off the diamond), approachability,
confidence, rule knowledge, rule enforcement, timing, voice, plate
stance and hustle.
Evaluators will make suggestions to help you improve. Listen carefully
to what an evaluator is telling you. If you don't understand, ask for
clarification. Do not take constructive criticism personally. It is
intended on helping you become a better official.
If you would like an on-field evaluation, contact any member of the Zone
7 staff to arrange one.
****Your on-field performance is the most important factor in moving to
the next level****
****You must also have taken the appropriate certification clinics****
Clinics
Officials may only take one certification clinic per year (levels I-IV).
Officials must wait 2 years between their Level II & III clinic.
- If you take your Level I in 2004, you can take Level II in 2005,
but would have to wait until 2007 to take Level III.
Level IV clinic may be taken by officials that are a fully certified
Level 3B or 3A for two or more years.
- If you take your Level III clinic in 2004 & receive and on-field
evaluation moving you to Level 3B in 2005, you can take the Level IV
clinic in 2007.
****Officials must attend a clinic every two years in order to be
eligible to officiate at provincials, eliminations and Canadian
Championships****
What counts as a clinic for provincials, eliminations or Canadian
Championships?
You may re-take any certification clinic you already have:
- Softball Canada Level 1, 2, 3, 4
certification clinic
- Refresher Clinic
- Blue Convention
- Softball Canada mechanics school
If you have any questions, please contact any
Zone 7 staff member
