HOME RUN SPORTS
FAST PITCH & SLO-PITCH UMPIRES OF THE YEAR

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

1. The umpire shall be a Canadian citizen / landed immigrant.
2. The umpire shall be fully certified (at any softball level) to qualify.
3. The umpire shall have served in a volunteer officiating position(s) for a minimum of 4 years.
4. The umpire shall have contributed to umpire development as an instructor, evaluator, mentor, or program developer.
5. 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

*Please save the file, fill it out and email to Donna Ozarko (dozarko@softball.ca)

2023 HOME RUN SPORTS UMPIRES OF THE YEAR

FAST PITCH

KEARNEY O’KEEFE's (St. Johns, N.L.) outstanding dedication to the sport of softball, a fantastic summer of umpiring and her remarkable contributions to umpire development in Newfoundland and Labrador have resulted in her being named the National Fast Pitch Umpire of the Year.

Kearney’s commitment to growing both softball and the umpire program has been nothing short of exemplary. She has consistently gone above and beyond to support the sport she loves as she has tirelessly umpired games, organized schedules, conducted umpire clinics, and served as a mentor to aspiring umpires. Kearney's reliability, approachability, honesty, and genuine passion for the game have made her a respected figure in the softball community.

On the field, Kearney's numerous achievements, including being named the 2023 Sport N.L. Official of the Year and becoming the first Female Umpire in Chief in Softball N.L.'s history, showcasing her dedication and commitment to the sport. Her recent attainment of her Level V in 2022, earning WBSC Certification at the Canada Cup in Surrey, BC and umpiring at the 2023 Men’s & Master Men’s Canadian Championship further solidifies her status as an umpire of exceptional caliber.

SLO-PITCH

MARK GOUGH's (Edmonton, Alta.) dedication to softball shines brightly on and off the field. With 37 years of experience, he epitomizes professionalism, fairness, and respect in every aspect of the game. Mark's passion for softball knows no bounds, as he willingly officiates games across various age groups and divisions, from recreational to competitive, minor to adult, always giving his utmost effort. He approaches each game with a focus on the best interests of the sport, ensuring a fair and unbiased experience for all involved. His contributions extend beyond the diamond, where he plays a pivotal role in recruiting, retaining, assigning, facilitating, mentoring, and administering the umpiring program.

Mark's remarkable achievements include holding certifications as a Level V official in both Slo-Pitch and Fast Pitch from Softball Canada, as well as being a certified official by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC).
Mark Gough's exemplary service to softball extends to his recent umpiring assignments, such as the 2023 Slo-Pitch Canadian Championships and the USA Men's 'A' Slo-Pitch Nationals in Oklahoma City, where he represented Canada in an exchange program with USA Softball. His contributions to the sport are immeasurable, and his passion for the game is an inspiration from one side of the country to the other.

PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS

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)