Umpires
Become an Umpire
Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA) Licensed Umpires are dedicated to ensuring that regattas are safe and fair for all competitors. RCA Umpires engage in training and ongoing development through a five-tiered structure, each involving its own level of commitment and corresponding responsibilities. Row Ontario offers training and development opportunities throughout the province to continue to support the competitive experience of all participants.
Did You Know?
- There are more than 35 sanctioned regattas in Ontario every year.
- A minimum four (4) RCA licensed umpires must be on duty at all sanctioned regattas for the duration of the regatta.
- Newly trained Umpires (known as Assistant or Associate Umpires) are assigned a Mentor Umpire who can help them learn the ropes and answer their questions.
- Umpires can be rowers, coaches, parents/relatives of rowers, or anyone who wants to watch racing up close and give back to the sport.
- There is no specific prerequisite experience required to become an RCA Umpire. If you have some knowledge of the sport of rowing, are committed to ensuring a safe and fair regatta experience for all competitors, and are looking for a new way to give back to the sport then umpiring might be a great fit for you!
How to Become A Licensed Umpire in Ontario
- Complete the online Assistant Umpire Clinic. This module is available for free anytime through The Locker. You will need to login using your existing NCCP account, or create a new account, to access the module. Once you’ve completed the module, along with Safe Sport Training (also available through The Locker) and Screening, you can register with Row Ontario as an L1 Assistant Umpire.
- Start umpiring! Gain practical experience at sanctioned regattas under the guidance of RCA Licensed Umpires.
- Attend a Level 2 Umpire Clinic. Once you’ve completed the clinic you are now a Level 2 Associate Umpire!
- Do more umpiring! Gain more practical experience at sanctioned regattas to broaden and deepen your understanding of the role of an Umpire. RCA requires a experience in various roles, at a variety of regattas and venues, before the next step.
- Pass the written and practical licensing exam. Once you pass the exam you are now a Level 2 Licensed Umpire!
- Maintain your Umpire License by registering annually with RCA and Row Ontario, being actively involved as an Umpire, and being evaluated at three of five stations every three years. For more information about maintaining your Umpire License, please visit the License Maintenance page.
Row Ontario has funding allocated through the Umpire Development Program (UDP) to provide financial support to Assistant, Associate, and Licensed Umpires seeking meaningful learning opportunities to support their development.
