NEWS

ASUA Jr. Umpire Academy prepares Softball umpires for Success! 

The Alberta Softball Umpires Association is set to kick off 2024 with a new initiative, catering to SOFTBALL umpires in various locations.

For umpires with 1-3 years of experience. the “Jr. Academy” aims to enhance skills and knowledge through focused sessions on the 1 & 2 Umpire SystemsPlate Mechanics/Calling Pitches, Base Mechanics/Positioning and Game Management/Communication.

The inaugural session is scheduled for Saturday Jan 20th, 2024 at the Medicine Hat Stampede & Exhibition Events Centre. Participants are to gather in the “Sierra Room” for sign in and opening remarks at 830am.

The Registration Fee is $25 (+ $2.96 Eventbrite Service Fee) with a limit of 24 spots for attendees! To Register, go to the following link to secure your spot! 

Link to Register for Medicine Hat Academy:   https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/788798807467?aff=oddtdtcreator

Additional Jr. Academies are scheduled at:

– CFB Edmonton on Sat Feb 10th (Fastpitch and Slo-Pitch)
–  Penhold Regional Multiplex (Fastpitch only) on Sat Feb 17th.
– Calgary area is scheduled for Sat Feb 24th (Fastpitch & Slo-Pitch) tentatively.

Have more than 3 years experience???? Don’t Worry! We thought of you too! 

For those with 4+ years experience, or Level 2 umpires interested in obtaining their Level 3 Certification, the Advanced Umpiring Academy offers a curriculum designed for you. Topics include: Game Management & Communication, 2, 3 & 4 Umpire Systems, Plate Mechanics and Advanced Base Mechanics/Positioning.

The ASUA Advanced Umpire Academy will be held at the following locations and dates:

– CFB Edmonton on Sunday Feb 11th, (Fastpitch &Slo-Pitch),
– Penhold Regional Multiplex on Sun Feb 18th (Fastpitch Only)
tentative – Calgary area Sun Feb 25th (Fastpitch and Slo-Pitch) – Tentative

Cost for the Advanced Academy is $50 + ($4.58 Eventbrite Fees)

NOTES:

– Level 3 Candidates will undergo an additional live Online session 3-4 hours in length to cover some additional topics in early March to complete their course.

All registrations must be completed through the ASUA Eventbrite webpage.

All Events are posted at:  https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/asua-education-committee-32611498635

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from some of Alberta’s top umpires and experienced instructors and elevate your skills! 

For any questions, please contact the ASUA Education Committee by email at: education@asua.ca

2025 Blue Convention

Mark your calendars for the 2025 Blue Convention… it will be taking place from April 17-19 in Calgary. The Blue Convention regularly sees over 250 softball umpires from across the country gather together for learning, networking and to celebrate their connections as officials in softball. 2025 will be the 13th Blue Convention since it’s inception. Visit their Facebook page or their website to stay up to date.

Bat Certification Standards

Click here to see the current Bat Check Protocol.

Get to know the ASUA Education Committee  

The ASUA has recently added new members to their Education Committee. Click here to see who the members are and learn a bit about them.

Umpire Certification Program 

In order to be recognized for provincial, national and international assignments, umpires must follow Softball Canada’s umpire certification program. Click here to review the umpire certification program.

Interested in becoming an umpire? 

Click here to find out how to become an umpire and what the benefits are!