USA Softball adds to Umpire Awards Program

February 11, 2021

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USA Softball recognizes umpires through Umpire Awards Program


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2021
Web Release: Link

 

OKLAHOMA CITY — USA Softball, the National Governing Body of Softball in the United States, announced today that a number of umpires have been honored for their years of service and expertise by becoming members of the USA Softball Umpire Awards Program.  One of the nation's largest officiating organizations, USA Softball umpires are nationally recognized as the most trained and proficient in the sport and have the opportunity to be recognized for their dedication to the sport through three available outlets: the Medals Program, the National Indicator Fraternity and the Elite Umpire Program.
 
Click here to see the additions to the USA Softball Umpire Awards Program

 

One of the more popular programs for USA Softball umpires, the Medals Program launched in 1999 and rewards umpires for their years of service who have not been assigned to a Regional or National Championship.  With four levels for this program, the Medals Program encompasses all levels of umpires who support the USA Softball program, whether at the local or national level.  Umpires who have been registered for three years (Blue Level), five years (Bronze Level), seven years (Silver Level) or more than seven years (Gold Level) can apply to the Medals Program.  Members of the Medals Program receive a ball cap, certificate and pin which symbolizes their achievement and a variety of leisure wear, jewelry and trophies are available for purchase.
 
The National Indicator Fraternity was founded in 1986 and honors those individuals who have advanced to the next level in the umpire program.  In order to obtain membership into the National Indicator Fraternity, umpires must have been registered for at least seven years and have umpired or served as a National Championship Umpire-in-Chief (UIC) or Assistant UIC at three USA Softball National Championships.  Members of the National Indicator Fraternity receive a certificate, membership card, luggage tag and a pin.

 

Launched in 2003, the Elite Umpire Program is the highest honor a USA Softball umpire can obtain other than selection into the National Softball Hall of Fame.  To become eligible, an umpire must have been registered for at least seven years, be a current member who is in good standing and participated in at least four National Championships (two of which must have been in the same category of play and from an upper level qualifying National Championship).  Umpires can apply for either Fast Pitch, Slow Pitch and Modified Pitch, and those who are selected will receive a ball cap, membership card, a framed certificate and pin.  
 
For more information on the USA Softball Umpire Program, please visit USASoftball.com

 

About USA Softball
USA Softball (USAS) is a 501(c)(3) not-for profit organization headquartered in Oklahoma City, Okla., and is designated as the National Governing Body (NGB) of Softball in the United States and a member of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. One of the nation’s largest sports organizations, USAS sanctions competition through a network of Local Associations, which includes all 50 states and select metro associations.  USAS is dedicated to providing people of all ages the opportunity to play the game they love at a variety of levels by offering recreational, league, tournament and competitive play for fast pitch, slow pitch and modified pitch.  USAS annually conducts thousands of tournaments throughout the country including over 100 National Championships.  The USAS umpire program is among the nation’s largest and are widely known as the best trained umpires in the game.

As the NGB for the sport of softball, USAS is responsible for training, equipping and promoting the six USA Softball National Teams that compete in events such as the Olympics, Pan American Games, World Championships and other international and domestic events. For more information on USAS, including its founding and history as the Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA), please visit, www.USASoftball.com