RECRUITMENT

SO YOU WANT TO BE AN UMPIRE?

You have seen a Softball Canada banner and you scanned the QR code because you want to be an umpire – YAY! Congratulations on completing the very first most important step in this amazing journey of officiating! As with most sports, there are a number of levels (5 to be exact) that softball umpires navigate their way through as they gain more experience. To start, please fill out the form below so we can put you in touch with a softball association close to you so that you can register for your first umpire season! Please see some of the comments below from our umpires around the country about why they started or why they stay involved as a softball umpire.

Want to make some extra money, become a better batter, learn the rules better?  You are absolutely in the correct place!!

Recruitment Poster - for high visibility posters contact Donna Ozarko

TESTIMONIALS

“I love the game of softball!  I played, coached and someone I respect a great deal thought I would enjoy umpiring – so I gave it a try.  I never in a million years would have thought that I could travel around the world officiating a game that I love – how lucky am I…” (Frankie Billingsley, Level V)

“I keep coming back to umpiring year after year because of the amazing opportunities it continues to provide, in terms of personal relationships, leadership skills, travel and of course as a way to stay involved in the game of softball. My experiences on the diamond don't just stay on the diamond- I never imagined there would be so many areas of positive overlap with my career and personal life from just getting involved with officiating.” (Valerie Pelleck, Level V)

“I like umpiring because it has given me the opportunity to meet some really incredible people, and develop into a mentally stronger and more confident person. I continue to umpire because I have had the pleasure of travelling across my home province (and Canada) to be a part of something that goes beyond my love of softball - being part of youth development. Umpiring has allowed me to develop interpersonal skills and find my own identity as I grow into an adult." (Josh Humphrey,– Level IV)

“It’s not just a game, it's a passion.  I started because my mom made me, but I am so glad someone pushed me out of my comfort zone and became an umpire. I also feel that becoming an umpire has made me a stronger woman, learning how to deal with different people, and how to come out of conflicts.” (Paige Cross, Level III)

“I joined because I wanted to give back to the sport that gave me so much. I stay because of the amazing people softball has brought into my life.”  (Wendi Winter, Level IV)

"I discovered umpiring when I was a teenager, and what was supposed to be a simple summer job quickly became a passion. At that time, I had the chance to meet young umpires who would later become part of the big Blue family, and I had the privilege of getting to know supervisors who were able to develop my officiating skills. I first umpired from 1991 to 1998, after my first Canadian championship. I came back to umpiring in 2011, by pure chance. It was then that I really understood what an incredibly strong passion it was! The Blue family is exceptional, with friends and colleagues there to encourage each other, have fun and help each other out in various situations. I've had the chance to travel across Canada, take part in a championship in the United States, meet colleagues who have become friends, supervisors who have helped and encouraged me to excel both on and off the field. I am still involved, both as an umpire4 and as a supervisor, so I can live my passion to the full, share it and give back to the next generation the support I once had! (Pat Chiquette, Level V)