HOME RUN SPORTS
FAST PITCH & SLO-PITCH UMPIRES OF THE YEAR
Do you know an umpire who:
|
If you answered YES to these questions,
then this person is a candidate for the
Softball Canada / Home Run Sports Umpire of the Year
Individuals or groups in your province/territory have the chance to submit their nomination for the "Umpire of the Year" Awards, which will be awarded to one Fast Pitch and one Slo-Pitch Umpire.
Don't miss the opportunity to have your umpires, and their achievements, recognized across Canada.
The "Umpire of the Year" recipients will be honoured at the Softball Canada Congress.
Nominations for National Umpires of the Year will be submitted by set deadline date to the Softball Canada Manager of Officiating.
A pre-determined committee consisting of the National Director of Umpiring, Board Liaison and the Softball Canada Manager of Officiating will select the National Umpire of the Year.
Upon selection, and prior to final approval by the Board, the recipients' provincial or territorial association (President, Executive Director or other designated senior staff member) shall be consulted to confirm the selected recipient is a member in good standing and to confirm P/T support for the selection.
The name of the individuals selected as National Umpires of the Year will then be submitted to the Softball Canada Board of Directors for final approval.
The "Umpires of the Year" nomination form is below, so have people or groups get their application into Softball Canada now!
NOMINATION CRITERIA
- The umpire shall be a Canadian citizen / landed immigrant.
- The umpire shall be fully certified (at any softball level) to qualify.
- The umpire shall have served in a volunteer officiating position(s) for a minimum of 4 years.
- The umpire shall have contributed to umpire development as an instructor, evaluator, mentor, or program developer.
- The umpire shall have a high level of officiating ability.
Nominations should be on the designated form and include:
- Umpire’s name, address, and phone number(s)
- Name, address, and phone number(s) of nominating individual or group
- Record of nominee’s umpiring experience
- Record of umpiring achievements
- Umpire’s role in developing and improving the officiating aspect of the sport
- Personal highlights in the current year
| The deadline for "Umpire of the Year" nominations is: September 1 |
*Please save the file, fill it out and email to info@softball.ca
2024 HOME RUN SPORTS UMPIRES OF THE YEAR
FAST PITCH
Daryl Helmer - (Airdrie, AB) is a dedicated official, mentor, and leader in the umpiring community, who has exemplified excellence on and off the field in 2024, leading to him being named National Fast Pitch Umpire of the Year.
Known for his professionalism, fairness, and deep knowledge of the game, Daryl is widely respected by players, coaches, and fellow officials. His ability to manage the game with integrity and a calm presence has made him a role model for umpires across Canada.
Beyond his outstanding work on the field, Daryl has been instrumental in developing and mentoring officials at all levels. From instructing clinics to evaluating and supporting umpires at national and international championships, his impact on the officiating community is immeasurable.
His leadership as a member of the Softball Alberta Umpires Association Executive and his contributions to national and international events, including umpiring at the 2024 WBSC Men’s Group Stage A in Hermosillo, Mexico and serving as the UIC of the 2024 U23 Men’s Canadian Championship are just a few highlights showcasing his dedication to the sport.
SLO-PITCH
Carla MacKenzie - (Wolfville, NS) has been recognized as the 2024 National Slo-Pitch Umpire of the Year for her exceptional dedication, skills, and contributions to the sport.
Carla has officiated at the highest levels of competition, including multiple provincial and Canadian Championships. Most recently, at the 2024 Men’s and Women’s Canadian Slo-Pitch Championships in Leduc, Alberta, she earned the prestigious plate assignment for the women’s championship game, a testament to her expertise and reputation on the field.
Already a Level IV-certified umpire in Fastpitch, Carla was awarded her Level V in Slo-Pitch in 2024 based her outstanding performance this summer.
Beyond her on-field excellence, Carla is a tireless advocate for umpire development in Nova Scotia. As an instructor, evaluator, and mentor, she plays a pivotal role in training and supporting new and experienced officials alike. Her efforts to recruit and empower women and youth in umpiring have strengthened inclusivity and growth within the officiating community.
PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS
2024 - Fast Pitch: Darryl Helmer (Alberta) and Slo-Pitch: Carla MacKenzie (Nova Scotia)
2023 - Fast Pitch: Kearney O’Keefe (Newfoundland & Labrador) and Slo-Pitch: Mark Gough (Alberta)
2022 - Fast Pitch: Ron “Soupy” Campbell (New Brunswick) and Slo-Pitch: Patrick Chiquette (Quebec)
2021 - Fast Pitch: Audrey Desmarteaux-Houle (Ontario) and Slo-Pitch: Dave Jones (Ontario)
2020 - No awards (COVID-19 pandemic)
2019 - Fast Pitch: Frankie Billingsley (Alberta) and Slo-Pitch: Steve Camus (Ontario)
2018 - Peter Kluszczynski (Ontario)
2017 - Clinton Harvey (Nova Scotia)
2016 - Aaron Poulin (British Columbia)
2015 - Terry Richter (Alberta)
2014 - Sandra Allan (New Brunswick)
2013 - Brent Chadwick (Saskatchewan)
2012 - Joyce Bellini (Quebec)
2011 - Keith Pender (Newfoundland & Labrador)
2010 - Moose Gibson (Saskatchewan)
2009 - Dick Coleman (Ontario)
2008 - Geneviève Gaudreau (Quebec)
2007 - Jack Van Bynen (Ontario)
2006 - Denis Bélanger (Quebec)
2005 - Bob Constantin (Alberta)
2004 - Chris Lee (British Columbia)
2003 - Don Bracey (Ontario)
2002 - Wayne Shipley (Nova Scotia)
2001 - Serge Laflamme (Quebec)
2000 - Keith Hazel (British Columbia)
1999 - Al Shenduk (Alberta)
1998 - Bob Stanton (New Brunswick)
