March 27, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Ontario Softball Umpires’ Association (OSUA) is pleased to announce that it has accepted the responsibility for providing umpiring services to one of the most prestigious Minor Girls’ Invitationals in Ontario – the annual KITCHENER CIVITAN INTERNATIONAL FAST PITCH JAMBOREE.
Celebrating its 10thyear of fun with teams from across Ontario and as far away as, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas and Virginia as well as Quebec, this year’s 40-team tournament is shaping up to be yet again a great event!
The Civitan organizing committee selected the OSUA to coordinate the umpire crew this year, and this newly-formed association is pleased to assist in making this premier event a success. “This is an excellent opportunity for not only developing but also experienced umpires to participate in an excellent tournament, one with a rich history of quality ball in a fun atmosphere,” said Kirk Corkery, Chair of the OSUA. “We will be offering opportunities for about 30 umpires this year, and matching them with veteran crew chiefs that will provide direction and feedback on their games throughout the tournament,” he added.
In recent years, the tournament was used by Softball Ontario as an opportunity for eligible umpires to earn their Level 4 status, and was also considered a mandatory preparatory tournament for umpires going to Canadian Championships. Even though this is not the case this year, the OSUA will be matching Level 4 and 5 umpires with crews of umpires for the seven diamonds that will be used over the four days.
Jon Lieberman will be the tournament Umpire-in-Chief, with Tim Whitelaw acting as deputy UIC. Together they will be coordinating the efforts of the crews, and their chiefs, ensuring not only the highest caliber of umpiring for the participants but that every umpire will get a quality evaluation and feedback throughout the tournament for their own personal development.
Stay tuned for more information, including an application form to join the Jamboree crew, on the OSUA website www.osua.ca . Unfortunately, there are only 30 spots available for umpires at the tournament, so get your name and indication of interest in early.
The Jamboree is one of several tournaments that the OSUA will be assisting this season by providing umpiring services. The OSUA is very pleased to support the interests of local tournaments such as the Civitan Jamboree, and wishes it well in its 10th year of operation!
The OSUA – “Umpires Working for Umpires
Joel Balberman
isfump5@rogers.com
http://www.osua.ca/
