As teams are gearing up for the season so do the umpires.
The start of the season is only a few weeks away, and Central Alberta Softball Umpires Association (CASUA) is finding that many communities are seriously short of returning and new umpires.
Recruiting new local umpires is very important in being able ensure umpires are available to work U11 and U13 games and help reduce travel costs for your Association.
If CASUA is not able to secure sufficient officials in a community, there is the likelihood that certified trained officials will not be provided for all your games. And in the unlikely event that umpires are available elsewhere, your association will incur large travel expenses.
We urge you to talk to your neighbours, schools, etc. to get more people into your local program.
Games pay the umpire $40 per game for about an hour and a half of work, and umpires can choose which days and times they are available to work. Weekend tournaments can pay up to $200 or more
We have four clinics scheduled: April 13 in Penhold, April 20 in New Norway, April 21 in Rimbey and April 27 in Castor. For details please see our website.
The following illustrates areas where, based on current numbers, we predict shortages of officials, and the number of new umpires we are still looking for:
- Bashaw (2-4)
- Delburne (2-4)
- Blackfalds (2-4)
- Innisfail (4-6)
- Olds (4-6)
- Ponoka (2-4)
- Red Deer (10-15)
- Sylvan Lake (10-15)
- Rimbey (2-4)
- Stettler (4-6)
If you have questions, please email [email protected]