{"id":1250,"date":"2023-04-18T14:57:47","date_gmt":"2023-04-18T14:57:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportsengine-develop.go-vip.net\/usasoftball\/?page_id=1250"},"modified":"2024-11-21T09:36:06","modified_gmt":"2024-11-21T15:36:06","slug":"umpire-awards-certifications","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sportsengine-develop.go-vip.net\/usasoftball\/umpires\/umpire-awards-certifications\/","title":{"rendered":"Umpire Awards & Certifications"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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At USA Softball, we honor umpires for their years of service and expertise through a variety of Umpire Award programs.  Whether through our Medals and Elite Umpire Programs, the National Indicator Fraternity, WBSC Certification or the ultimate honor with the National Softball Hall of Fame, no other organization has this various assortment of rewards programs for their umpires. For questions or additional information on USA Softball umpires and certifications, contact USA Softball Director of Umpires, Kevin Ryan<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Elite Program<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Medals Program<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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National Indicator Fraternity<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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WBSC Certification<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Elite Program<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Elite award program is the highest honor a USA Softball umpire can obtain other than selection to the National Softball Hall of Fame. The program was launched in 2003, with 153 umpires approved in February of that year.  Members who are approved as “Elite” umpires can apply for their international certification (WBSC), and are the only umpires selected for the National Championship Series (SP) and the Armed Forces Slow Pitch Championships.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To become eligible for this program, an umpire must have been a USA Softball registered umpire for at least seven (7) years and a current member in good standing. The umpire must have participated in at least four (4) National Championships, and umpired in two (2) in the same category of play and from the championships listed below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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