Softball Victoria has put the call out to aspiring umpires, encouraging them to get behind the plate and ease the shortage of umpires in the state. 

Clubs and Associations often experience a shortage of umpires for games, with many prospective young umpires fearful of facing backlash from parents, coaches, players, or the crowd. 

As Olympic umpire and 2022 WBSC Official of the Year Kyira Cox explained, young umpires often dread getting a call wrong, making a controversial decision, or not getting the hang of umpiring straight away, and added, “some kids just don’t find it cool and want to be on the field with friends.” 

However, new initiatives protect budding umpires, such as the introduction of “umpire in training” shirts, which indicate to participants that the umpire is learning. 

Softball umpires are also afforded many benefits, including the opportunity to better understand the rules as a player, and earn a sense of purpose and personal achievement. 

As umpires, softball players also position themselves in different positions around the field, leading to a better understanding of each players role and motivations during a game. 

Three-time Olympian and Softball Australia Pathways Coordinator Brooke Wilkins acknowledged that everyone may have a specific reason to umpire, and further outlined the benefits, saying, “enjoyment, having fun with the players, controlling the game, or even pocket money may be the reason.” 

Wilkins added that the process of becoming an umpire begins with the community umpire program, which provides basic information for those who are new to the role of umpiring. 

Cox also suggests talking to your local association about umpiring, but no matter the reason or motivations, becoming an umpire will motivate, challenge, and inspire you! 

If you are interested in becoming an umpire, reach out to your local association and visit the community umpire program page for more information.