For those serious about umpiring, USA Softball umpire training is the best available in any sports organization today. National, regional, and local mechanic schools and rules clinics are scheduled each spring and in many cases in the fall for new umpires beginning at that time of year. Training is similar at each level, as described in the USA Softball Umpire Manual. Whether plate mechanics, base positioning, signals, working with players and coaches, or just tips in umpiring, the Manual is the most complete training guide available. To assist the local training official, USA Softball provides training aides through a Clinic Guide, instructional videos and presentations, school mechanics drill cards, an umpire examination, meeting quizzes, and a “Case Book.”
Insurance for USA Softball umpires is by far the best for any sport or organization and includes a $5,000,000 liability policy and accidental injury policy with maximum benefit of $100,000 for any accidental injury arising out of the amateur softball activities (including clinics and schools), and games, leagues, and tournaments involving USA Softball registered teams and when working Scholastic, (Middle school, High School, NFHS) and Collegiate (NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA, etc…) softball events. The medical expense coverage is provided on an excess basis. It also includes an accidental death and dismemberment policy, as well as a dental coverage that will pay the actual expense incurred for treatments to sound and natural teeth, with a $500 limit for each individual tooth.
An umpire uniform and leisure wear program is available so that each registered umpire can purchase and wear the official USA Softball uniform with pride. Whether it’s the shirt, cap, pants, shoes or ball bag or any of the variety of protective equipment, or optional wear such as sun glasses, the USA Softball umpire program has it.
USA Softball registered umpires are selected to officiate in metro, state, regional and national championships, and as members of the National Governing Body for Softball in the US, are the only organization in the US which softball umpires can apply for World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) certification and the opportunity to umpire in World Championships, Regional Games (Pan Am Games) or the Olympic Games. World Cup events held in Plant City Florida also are open to USA Softball umpires who have completed a “Qualifier” Seminar.
USA Softball umpires are rewarded for their years of service and expertise through the Medals Program, the National Indicator Fraternity, WBSC Certification, and possibly the National Softball Hall of Fame. No other organization has this various assortment of awards programs for their umpires.
Yes, it pays to be a USA Softball umpire! From expert training through being rewarded for individual umpire achievements, USA Softball offers the most to help umpires achieve their goals – to be the best they can be, and to reach the highest level their skills will take them.