This letter was received from a spectator at the recent tournament in Stettler. It recognises the time and effort put in by all CASUA members to make our association a leader in training and promoting new and experienced officials, and in particular one of our younger officials of which we have a bumper crop of new talent this year.
June 13, 2026
Attn: Doug Smith
President of CASUA
Dear Mr. Smith,
Today at 12:00 my husband and I watched our granddaughter play in a Girls U-13 game in Stettler.
Prior to the game, we saw the plate umpire! He looked young and small to be assigned this important task. We certainly were proved wrong.
This young man knew the game, the rules, and his role. He managed this responsibility like a mature, seasoned umpire.
He was polite to players, coaches, his base umpire, and the official score keeper. Many times, throughout the game his mature mannerism was shown.
There was never a time during the game that the pitcher, catcher, batter, or spectators did not know the count. He was clear and vocal before resuming play at every new pitch and had the greatest signature gesture when calling ‘strike three’!
He made many smile when he used his miniature blower to clean home plate, which when replying to an asking spectator said he bought it on Amazon for $25.00!
This young man is the epitome of umpiring. I was reminded about how enjoyable it can be to watch a well-played and well- called game. He is confident. He is consistent. He is respectful.
I hope he can continue to be mentored, gain additional experience, and be well respected in his years to come.
I know I will be looking forward to watching another game under his call.
I am happy to see sport encouraging and mentoring these young people, who have the desire, are willing and brave enough to accept the challenge of umpiring. They need lots of experience and encouragement, along with respect, to gain confidence in staying in this chosen role. We all know this task can be very daunting due to a few ruthless fans, coaches, parents and even some players.
I spoke to his mother after the game. She kept stats for him during the game and told me he already has umpired fifty games.
[This Mom needs to be applauded for her part in supporting, encouraging, and helping her son realize his dreams. She is doing a fantastic job raising him to be a valued young man in our ball community]
With her permission, I went over and spoke to him after the game. He politely and graciously gave me a couple of moments of his time because he was changing and preparing to be the base ump at the next game. He is thirteen!
This young man is going to go places in this world.
I have an extremely high regard for this young man from Bashaw; Lachlan Northey.
To exude this confidence, he certainly has had to have put in hours of time learning, watching, and discovering what it takes to make a great umpire. He has made a huge effort and is beyond committed to being the best he can be.
This young man needs to be recognized by the CASUA organization, his peers, and his mentors.
ASUA needs to know what a grand slam they have with Lachlan Northey on their team!
Sincerely,
Janie Rock