2012 Annual Report - Softball Australia

Umpiring
Umpiring
Softball Australia’s National Umpiring Program (NUP)
has been held in high regard on the international scene
for many years and the National Umpiring Committee
(NUC) were delighted when two of its most
outstanding umpires were appointed to the final of the
2011 ISF IX Junior Women’s World Championships gold
medal game:
• Helen Strauss (Qld) was appointed as the Plate
Umpire
• Yvonne Kahler (Qld) was appointed as the Second
Base Umpire
These two appointments are an indication that the
program is continuing to produce umpires of the
highest quality through the hard work of many people.
The State Directors of Umpiring meeting was held at
Softball Australia’s office in August 2011. A range of
topics were covered throughout the meeting including
umpire survey results from each national
championship, ways to improve communication
including how regular Blues News Online (BNOL)
should be published, and umpire accreditation
including the latest news received from ISF in relation
to when and how umpires are appointed to World
Championships and development.
Accreditation and professional
development
This year, the NUC completed 3 Umpire Rotation
System document, Level 3 and 4 Umpire Manual,
Tournament Chief Umpire Manual, Community Umpire
Manual, Attending National/International
Championship Document and Mentoring Document.
The next step will be to have these manuals accredited
by the Australian Sports Commission.
The total number of active accredited umpires is 1,255 (30 June 2012), broken down as follows:
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 Page | 45