New Umpire Information

OLBA will be offering the BCB umpire course starting in 2018. We are still working on the details regarding scheduling, but we are excited to bring this program to Ontario. This program has been in use in other provinces for a few years already.

BCB describes the course as:
Training – Level 1 Umpire candidates complete a series of three half-day training sessions*:

The laws of the sport - This is followed by a 25-question take home exam which must be completed and marked before the third session.
Measuring equipment and techniques.
Measuring practicum.

The training utilizes the Laws of the Sport of Bowls, the Level 1 Umpire Training Manual and the World Bowls DVD on Umpiring and Marking Skills as training resources, and the services of a knowledgeable and competent course conductor. Umpiring candidates must have a minimum of two years of bowling experience, and will be expected to purchase a copy of the rule book and the training manual. Rule books can usually be ordered through your home club. The training manual will be available through your provincial association.
Evaluation – In addition to the written exam completed during the training, candidates must also successfully complete a measuring exam and an oral exam. Candidates must complete the measuring practicum prior to taking the measuring exam.
All exams are based on World Bowls standards. A pass mark of 90% or better is required for each exam.
Apprenticeship - New Level 1 umpires must mentor with an experienced umpire for a minimum of 4 hours or 2 tournament games before they can officiate. New umpires will receive a BCB Umpire pin upon completion of their apprenticeship.
* It is possible to schedule the first two half-day sessions on the same day. As it is likely that many of our candidates will be travelling to attend the course, we will likely do so.