All bowlers who wish to become umpires in Ontario must complete the entry level training program (Level 1) developed by Bowls Canada Boulingrin (BCB).  Upon successful completion a Level 1 umpire is certified to officiate at all club, local and provincial events.

The Level 1 umpire accreditation process is comprised of training, evaluation and apprenticeship.

Training – Level 1 Umpire candidates complete a series of three half-day training sessions on the following topics:

1. The Laws of the Sport.
2. Measuring equipment and techniques.
3. Measuring practicum.

The training utilizes the Laws of the Sport of Bowls, the BCB Level 1 Umpire Training Manual and World Bowls Umpire Development videos 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.

Candidates must pre-register for and attend the training course. All course materials – including the training manual and a copy of the rule book – are included in the course fee. Rule books can also be purchased separately, usually through your home club.

In addition, all candidates must complete one of the BCB approved Safe Sport courses:

• Coaching Association of Canada’s Safe Sport Course
• Respect Group’s Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders
  
  

Evaluation – A 25-question take home exam is handed out after the second half-day session and must be completed and marked before successful candidates can attend the third session. The third session commences with a measuring practicum on the green, and is followed by a measuring exam and an oral 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.

New Level 1 umpires, who have taken the prescribed training and passed all exams, are certified for four (4) years. At any time during their second, third or fourth years, they may get re-certified once they have gained 25 hours of umpiring experience and retake and pass the measuring exam. Upon achievement, they will become a certified Level 2 umpire, and may officiate for a further four (4) years before requiring recertification.