Why Umpire ASA?
For those serious about umpiring, the ASA training is the best available in any sports organization today. National, regional, and local mechanic schools and rules clinics are scheduled each spring and in many cases in the fall for new umpires beginning at that time of year. Training is similar at each level, as described in the ASA Umpire Manual. Whether plate mechanics, base positioning, signals, working with players and coaches, or just tips in umpiring, the Manual is the most complete training guide available. To assist the local training official, the ASA provides training aides through a Clinic Guide, instructional videos, transparencies, school mechanics drill cards, an umpire examination, meeting quizzes, and a “Case Book.”
Insurance for the ASA umpire is by far the best for any sport or organization and includes a $5,000,000 liability policy, an accidental injury policy with maximum benefit of $100,000 for any accidental injury arising out of the amateur softball activities (including clinics and schools), and games, leagues, and tournaments involving ASA registered teams. The medical expense coverage is provided on an excess basis. It also includes an accidental death and dismemberment policy, as well as a dental coverage that will pay the actual expense incurred for treatments to sound and natural teeth, with a $500 limit for each individual tooth.
An umpire uniform and leisure wear program is available to each registered umpire, so that he/she will be able to purchase and wear the official ASA uniform with pride. Whether the shirt, cap, pants, shoes or ball bag, or any of the variety of protective equipment, or optional wear such as sun glasses, the ASA program has it.
ASA registered umpires are selected to officiate in metro, state, regional and national championships, and as the national governing body for softball in the US, are the only organization in the US which softball umpires can apply for International Softball Federation certification and the opportunity to umpire in World Championships, Regional Games (Pan Am Games) or the Olympic Games. World Cup events held in Plant City Florida also are open to ASA umpires who have completed a “Qualifier” Seminar.
ASA umpires are rewarded for their years of service and expertise through the Medals Program, the National Indicator Fraternity, ISF Certification, and possibly the National Hall of Fame. No other organization has this various assortment of rewards programs for their umpire.
Yes, it pays to be an ASA umpire. From expert training through being rewarded for individual umpire achievements, ASA offers the most to help each umpire achieve his/her goal – To Be The Best He/She Can Be, and to reach the level their skills will take them too.
