How Do I advance to the Next Level?

LEVELLING UP

Umpire Levels and How to Achieve Them

Ready to move your umpiring career to the next level?  Here’s a summary of the steps required to get there in Zone 4 (CASUA).

  • It means that you’ll start to be assigned more challenging games at higher levels, according to your stage of development. 
  • You’ll still be assigned a mentor to ensure you’ve got someone to talk to about questions and issues.

First Year

For your first year, you:

  • Must attend a Level I clinic and write the Level I exam
  • Are assigned a mentor to help guide you
  • Are assigned to entry-level skill games such as U11 and U13
  • Work weekend tournaments for your skill level and obtain guidance from UIC/DUIC and other senior umpires.

CASUA really wants to help you succeed in your umpiring career!   If you have questions or concerns, you are highly encouraged to talk to your mentor or any other senior umpire.  We all were rookies at one time, and we know that it can be challenging at the beginning!

First Year > > > Level I

As soon as you register with CASUA for your 2nd year of umpiring, you’ll be automatically considered a Level I.

What does Level I get you? 

It means that you’ll start to be assigned more challenging games at higher levels, according to your stage of development. 

You’ll still be assigned a mentor to ensure you’ve got someone to talk to about questions and issues.

Level I >>> Level II

Once you have completed at least two seasons of umpiring, you may be considered for promotion to Level 2, which can be granted by the CASUA executive. You’ll need to:

  • Attend a Level I umpire clinic
  • Talk to an executive member about your desire to achieve Level II.
  • Be evaluated by a UIC at one or more weekend tournaments during the season, obtaining a recommendation for promotion.
  • Pass the Level II Softball Canada Umpire Exam the following spring.

To be recommended for promotion to Level II, you need to demonstrate:

  • Good understanding of the major rules of the game.
  • Use of proper mechanics and positioning, both at plate and base positions.
  • A willingness to learn, to accept feedback and to make adjustments when requested.
  • Proper Softball Canada umpire attire

What does Level II get you?

  • You’ll be widely considered for weeknight games, tournaments and provincial championships according to your age and stage of development.
  • You won’t be assigned a formal mentor, but you are encouraged to reach out to any of our senior umpires with questions or concerns.

Level II >>> Level III

  • Once you have completed two seasons of umpiring at Level II, you may be considered to be evaluated for Level III, which is granted by ASUA at the Provincial level. You’ll need to:
  • By November 30, submit a Championship Application form to the CASUA President for a Provincial Level III evaluator event (usually the U15A or U17A provincial championship).
  • The following spring, attend a Level I or Level II umpire clinic and pass the Level II Softball Canada Umpire Exam.
  • Work as many high-level games as you can during the season.
  • Be evaluated by a UIC at the Level III evaluator, obtaining a recommendation for promotion.

Level III is a standard of excellence at the provincial level. As such, not everyone who attends the Level III evaluator is successful in being recommended for promotion. To be successful, you will need to demonstrate:

  • Good understanding of all rules of the game.
  • Good use of all proper plate and base mechanics and positioning, including three-umpire system.
  • Good game management skills.
  • Excellent attitude, willingness to accept feedback and to make adjustments when requested.
  • Neat tidy appearance, with all current Softball Canada umpire attire

CASUA will work with you to be as ready as possible for the Level III evaluator, including scheduling you to work as many three-umpire games as possible. We want you to succeed!

What does Level III get you?

In addition to being able to work all levels of softball within Central Alberta, you’ll be eligible to apply to work at a Western or National championship each year. You’ll also have opportunities to be a UIC, course instructor, mentor and evaluator within the CASUA Zone.

Level III >>> Levels IV and V

Promotions to Levels IV and V are handled at the National level, administered by Softball Canada. Refer to the Softball Canada Umpiring Certification website for more details.