What is BNSUD?

• BNSUD is the abbreviation for Baseball Nova Scotia Umpires Division
• BNSUD is responsible for the training of officials for use for Baseball Nova Scotia (BNS) games and events.
• We promote the development of officials by conducting development clinics, seminars, workshops and performing on field evaluations.
• BNSUD was restructured back in 1994.
• BNSUD has a webpage – www.bnsud.ca and facebook.

Districts and Regions

Eastern District consists of the Cape Breton, Highland and Fundy regions.

• Cape Breton is Victoria and Cape Breton County.
• Highland is Inverness, Richmond, Antigonish and Guysborough counties.
• Funcy is Pictou, Colchester and Cumberland counties.

Western District consists of the Valley, South West and South Shore regions.

• Valley is Hants, Kings and Annapolis counties.
• South West is Digby, Yarmouth and Shelburne counties.
• South Shore is Queens and Lunenburg counties.

Central District consists of the Dartmouth, Halifax and Bedford / Sackville regions.

• Dartmouth is made up of the associations belonging to Dartmouth and District Minor baseball.
• Halifax is made up of the associations on the Halifax side of the Harbour, including Hammonds Plains.
• Bedford / Sackville is made up of the associations in the Tri-County association - LWF, Bedford and Sackville. It also includes the association out of Enfield.

BNSUD Level Structure

BNSUD has 3 Provincial levels and there are 2 additional National levels.

Level 1 - Umpires must meet the following criteria for Level 1.

• Minimum 13 years of age (calendar years).
• 60% or higher on Provincial level 1 examination.
• Attend a Level 1 clinic and write the exam every year.

Level 2 - Umpires must meet the following criteria for Level 2.

• Minimum 16 years of age.
• Been an active umpire for previous three years as Level 1.
• UIC Recommendation to advance to Level 2.
• 70% or higher on provincial level 2 examination.
• Receive an effective rating or higher on recent field evaluations (plate and base).
• Attend a Level 2 clinic and write the exam every year.

Level 3 - Umpires must meet the following criteria for Level 3.

• Minimum 18 years of age.
• Been an active umpire for four previous years, two years previous as Level 2.
• District Superintendent recommendation to advance to Level 3.
• 80% or higher on provincial level 3 examination.
• Receive an effective rating or higher on recent field evaluations (plate and base).
• Attend BNSUD Super Clinic and write the exam every year.

Level 4 - Umpires must meet the following National criteria for Level 4.

• Minimum 18 years of age.
• Been an active umpire for five previous years, is currently a Level 3 umpire, and is capable of working the highest calibre of baseball available to umpire.
• National Selection Committee recommendation required to advance.
• 80% or higher on Baseball Canada Level 4 examination.
• Receive an effective rating or higher on field evaluations (plate and base) carried out by Baseball Canada Course Conductor.
• Shall attend BNSUD Super Clinic and write National examination every year.

Level 5 - Umpires must meet the following National criteria for Level 5.

• Currently enrolled in the Baseball Canada Umpire Development Program.
• Have attended three national championships with positive recommendation, the most recent at the Junior or Senior category.
• Shall attend BNSUD Super Clinic every year and write National examination.

Expectations of a BNSUD Member

The DOs:

• Show up on time and in full uniform.
• On time means at least 30 minutes before the start time of the game.
• Introduce yourself to your partner remember you are a team.
• Treat all participants impartially and with respect.
• Act professionally while in uniform regardless of where you are.
• Work hard on every pitch.
• Leave immediately following the game.

The DON'Ts

• Do not be late.
• Do not smoke while in uniform.
• Do not act arrogantly.
• Do not even up bad calls.
• Do not put your hands in your pockets while on the field.
• Never comment negatively about another umpire!

When you arrive at the park:

• Arrive 30 minutes prior to game time.
• Introduce yourself to your partner.
• Discuss the field and signals with your partner.
• Get into uniform/ equipment ASAP.
• If possible get the game balls prior to the plate meeting.
• If possible get paid prior to the meeting.

Game Control:

• Get the game started on time.
• Keep the game moving.
• Your enthusiasm will spread, so will your lack of it.
• Deal with issues quietly before they become a problem that has to be dealt with not so quietly.
• Be respectful in discharging of your duties.

BNSUD Code of Conduct

BNSUD has a Code of Conduct that each of its members are expected to abide by. The Expectation for each BNSUD member will be to review and electronically sign it each year.

BNSUD Discipline

BNSUD has a Discipline Policy that requires BNSUD members to follow. This is in addition to the BNSUD Code of Conduct.

If there are situations where a BNSUD member does not follow the Code of Conduct and/ or another issue, that member is subject to BNSUD Discipline. The policy is located on the website:

Add in website link to Discipline Policy

BNSUD Fees

BNS Game Rates

General Instructions

• Umpires, on the field, should not indulge in conversation with players.
• Keep out of the coaching box and do not talk to the coach on duty.
• Keep your uniform in good condition.
• Be active and alert on the field.
• When you enter a ball park your sole duty is to umpire a ball game as the representative of baseball.
• Keep the game moving.
• You are the only official representative of baseball on the ball field.
• It is often a trying position which requires the exercise of much patience and good judgment, but do not forget that the first essential in working out of a bad situation is to keep your own temper and self-control.
• You no doubt are going to make mistakes, but never attempt to “even up” after having made one.
• Make all decisions as you see them.
• Keep your eye everlastingly on the ball while it is in play.
• Do not call the plays too quickly, or turn away too fast when a fielder is throwing to complete a double play.
• Watch out for dropped balls after you have called a man out.
• Wait until the play is completed before making any arm motion.
• The first requisite is to get decisions correctly.
• If in doubt don’t hesitate to consult your associate.
• Umpire dignity is important but never as important as “being right.”
• Most important rule for umpires is always “BE IN POSITION TO SEE EVERY PLAY.”
• Even though your decision may be 100% right, players still question it if they feel you were not in a spot to see the play clearly and definitely.
• Finally, be courteous, impartial and firm, and so compel respect from all.