CanadianAppointed as ISF Acting Director of Umpires
January 21, 2008
Ottawa, ON
January21st, 2008
CanadianAppointed as ISF Acting Director of Umpires
(Ottawa,ON) – Softball Canada announces that its National Director of Umpires Bob Stantonhas been appointed as acting Director of Umpires for the International SoftballFederation (ISF). The position has been vacant since the passing of MerleButler a few weeks ago, a long-time leader of the ISF’s umpiring program.
“I am extremely pleased that ourDirector of Umpires for Softball Canada has been appointed as acting umpire inchief for the ISF” noted Softball Canada President Kevin Quinn. “Bob Stantonhas been working very hard, not only for Softball Canada, but for the ISF aswell. He is doing an outstanding job in both roles and I see no reason toexpect he will do any less going forward. Bob’s interpersonal skills coupledwith his strong communication skills are a real asset in both these roles.”
ISFPresident Don Porter’s decision to appoint a new Director of Umpires was madeto insure the proper preparation and functioning of the ISF’s umpires programfor the Olympic Games in Beijing, which are scheduled for August 12-21, 2008.Mr. Stanton will act as the ISF’s Director of Umpires through the Games, afterwhich a permanent appointment will be made for the next term.
“This appointment isbitter-sweet for me” stated Bob Stanton. “I am honoured, grateful andhumbled by the appointment, but I am also saddened that it came about as a resultof the passing of my dear friend and mentor Merle Butler. I can only hope tocarry on in the tradition of excellence, leadership and innovation that Merlehas laid out. I know that the world softball umpire fraternity mourns theloss of Merle however it is nice to know that they will be there to support,guide and assist me as that is the way of the umpire family.”
Inaddition to being Softball Canada’s National Director of Umpires, Stanton hasserved as the ISF’s Deputy Director of Umpires since December of 2006 and waspreviously named as Merle Butler’s assistant for the Beijing Summer OlympicGames. Margo Kostelanen (Australia) has been named as Stanton’s assistant.
“Bob has worked closely with Margo Kostelanen previously and I amsure both Bob and Margo will do an outstanding job with the ISF officials inBejing at the Olympics in 2008” added Quinn.
GillesLeBlanc
Manager– Marketing and Communications Services
SoftballCanada
(613)523-3386 ext. 3105
