LAUSANNE, Switzerland -- The World Baseball Softball Confederation today appointed umpires from 25 countries to officiate the 2017 WBSC Softball World Championships.

For the 15th WBSC Men's Softball World Championship, which will be staged in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, from 7-16 July, 24 umpires from 15 countries will make up the on-field umpiring crews.

At the 12th WBSC Junior Women's Softball World Championship, which will be held in Clearwater, Florida, USA, from 24-30 July, 30 umpires from 23 countries will oversee umpiring duties.

"This global selection of umpires highlights the growing base of knowledgeable softball officials and leaders around the world," said WBSC Softball Division President Dale McMann. "These important officials ensure the integrity of our Softball World Championships and also help ensure our sport is officiated uniformly in their home countries, which is a key factor in our development aims to grow our sport."

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Umpires for the flagship men's softball competition will come from Argentina, Australia, Botswana, Canada, China, Cuba, Czech Republic, Germany, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, South Africa, USA, and Venezuela. 

The Men's Softball World Championship was last held in 2015 in Saskatoon, SK, Canada, where Canada earned was crowned world champion, New Zealand earned silver, and Venezuela claimed bronze.

  

Umpires overseeing the umpiring in Clearwater will arrive from Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Chinese Taipei, Cuba, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Great Britain, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, South Africa, and USA.

The U-19 pinnacle event was last held in 2015 in Oklahoma City, OK, USA, where USA earned gold, Japan claimed silver, and Puerto Rico bronze.

The National Teams, including the draw of pools, and complete schedule for both Softball World Championships will be announced at a later date.