Examining Umpires

Examining umpires requirements

The Tee-Ball Association of WA. introduced accreditation of umpires in 1982 in an attempt to improve the quality of officials at their carnivals, especially State Championships, with a question paper requiring written answers to 50 questions.

In 1990, T.B.A.W.A. introduced a multiple choice question book with any 30 questions being asked.

Later, it was found that a pass mark of 80%, 24 out of 30 questions, provided the best cut-off, with the proviso that not more than one fair/foul question could be failed, as this was the most frequent cause of friction on the diamond.

The questions and the book were revised when the rulebook was revised in 2006.

The question book, is made available as a study guide to potential candidates so they can be prepared for the examination.

 In 2004 Accreditation levels were redrafted in an attempt to improve and reward those umpires seeking to advance their knowledge within our sport.

LEVEL 1:             No previous equivalent.

Introductory level (participation only). Course runs for approximately 6 hours, participants receive a 80-page manual. This course should give umpires enough confidence and knowledge to base umpire at State Championships and or plate umpire at club level without having to sit an exam (as per Level 2) The course addresses, duty of care, attitude, positioning, dealing with difficult situations, rules and safety on the diamond.

LEVEL 2:             Previous equivalent, B Level

Participants sit a multiple choice theory exam and also are assessed on a practical level. It is suggested, but not compulsory, that prospective level 2 umpires attend a level 1 clinic first as the level 1 course teaches what is expected within the level 2 practical assessment.

LEVEL 3:    Previous equivalent, A Level

Participants require a 90% or better pass rate in the written level 2 exam and are required to umpire at least 10 State or Lightning Carnival games (with at least 5 being State plate) and then be assessed on a practical level at a minium of two games.  Level 1 & 2 are prerequisites for this level

LEVEL 4:            Previous equivalent, Accrediting Umpire

Level 4 umpires are expected to have an above average understanding of the rules and be extremely confident in their interpretation of those rules.

They will have previously attained level 3 and plated at leased 20 TBAWA carnival games. In order to achieve and retain level 4, participants are required to attend and pass an examination and clinic every second year where they are assessed on their ability to umpire, instruct, interpret rules and assess practical umpiring abilities.

LEVEL 5:     No previous equivalent

Level 5 umpires must have achieved level 4.

To achieve this level participants are required to write and present up to two level one clinics. Assessment of performance will be by a panel of level 5 umpires.

Applicants will be judged on course content, presentation and knowledge.

Upon successful completion umpires must present at least one clinic per year to retain level 5.

Badges are awarded for 25 , 50, 75 and 100 games umpired at approved TBAWA carnivals.

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