Training for Umpires

Curling Canada has implemented a National Umpire Certification Program. Standard guidelines for the training and development of curling umpires capable of officiating at provincial or national championships have been established.

Umpires are currently classified according to their certification level and their role during championships.

The only fees applied for the umpire courses are the Curling Canada’s Certification fees (20$ taxes included).

Umpires Level 1 and 2 are chosen by the Host committee of the events. The head umpire of the event/championship is responsible for offering the courses in question about 1 month before the following events: Scotties, Tankard, Quebec Games, and the juniors, Senior’s, Masters and Mixed Provincial Championships. The course lasts for a full day and covers both levels at once (level 1 in the morning, level 2 in the afternoon).

For umpires Level 3, 4 and 5, with Curling Canada’s agreement, Curling Québec chooses the umpires who are ready to receive a higher level of knowledge and will arrange the training sessions.

For more information, contact Curling Québec at 514-252-3088 or by email at info@curling-quebec.qc.ca.

Level 1 Umpire

Role: Time Clock Operators, Game Observers

Prerequisites to obtain certification:

• Attend a level 1 training course recognized by Curling Québec
• Successfully complete the level 1 exam with at least a 70% score
• Complete a minimum of six (6) games as a time clock operator or a game observer to the head umpire’s satisfaction during an offical championship
• Have paid the Curling Canada’s certification fees

Level 2 Umpire

Role: Game Umpire at the Provincial level

Prerequisites to obtain certification:

• Possess a level 1 certification
• Attend a level 2 training course recognized by Curling Québec
• Successfully complete the level 2 exam with at least a 70% score
• Complete a minimum of six (6) games as a time clock operator or a game observer to the head umpire’s satisfaction during an offical championship
• Have paid the Curling Canada’s certification fees

Level 3 Umpire

Role: Head Umpire at the Provincial level

Prerequisites to obtain certification:

• Possess a level 2 certification.
• Serve as a deputy chief umpire at a provincial championship and receive a positive evaluation from the provincial committee chair or association and a recommendation from a recognized provincial chief umpire
• Assist a preparation of a level 1 and a level 2 course
• Give a level 1 course and a level 2 course
• Fill out the situational judgement form to the satisfaction of an examiner
• Have paid the Curling Canada’s certification fees

Level 4 and 5 Umpires

Role: National Game Umpire / Deputy Chief Umpire / National Chief Umpire

Prerequisites to obtain certification:

• Possess a level 3 certification (for a level 4) or a level 4 certification (for a level 5)
• Serve as a game umpire (for a level 4) or chief umpire (for a level 5) at a Curling Canada arena-based championship
• Receive a positive evaluation from a chief umpire, including a Curling Quebec designate and a representative of the Host Committee.
• The umpire must demonstrate qualities of leadership, ability to negotiate and arbitrate and the ability to effectively communicate with athletes, media, game umpires, Curling Canada’s event staff and host committees.
• Have paid the Curling Canada’s certification fees