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Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
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When was the EMSUA founded? |
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The Edmonton Minor Softball Umpires Association (EMSUA) was founded in 1976 by Les Pollard and Tim Beechey. Both had been officiating in Edmonton before then (Les started in 1974 and Tim in 1975).
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| 2) |
Who were the first members? |
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The first members were Les Pollard (1) and Tim Beechey (2). While Tim still instructs at the EMSUA's annual clinic, the longest-serving member who is still active on the field is Ron Jacobs (3), a level IV official who joined in 1983.
The EMSUA's first female official was Charlotte Kochan (5), who joined in 1980. Along with Les and Tim, Charlotte has had her number retired.
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| 3) |
How many members are there today? |
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While the membership number of the EMSUA fluctuates as wildly as any other umpires association, in recent years the level of members has settled at around 80. Of these 80, roughly 50 live in the north end of the city, while the majority of the umpires in the south live in the southeast zone.
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| 4) |
How do I join? |
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All you have to do is attend our annual clinic, usually held in the middle of April for the upcoming ball season. For more information, check out our step-by-step guide to joining the EMSUA.
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Getting the Proper Equipment
| 1) |
Where do I get the uniform? |
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The official supplier to Softball Canada is HSRS. However, the cost of purchasing everything at once is often too great for rookie umpires. It is recommended that officials gradually accumulate the necessary equipment.
In regards to uniforms, the official shirt is the HSRS mesh shirt. The same shirt, sans logo, can be found at United Cycle for less. This is a great alternative for your first few years. Hats, notoriously hard to fit, can either be ordered from HSRS, or bought from a number of officials who will give you a chance to try the hats on, to be sure they fit, before you buy them.
While plate pants are recommended for their superior fit, any black or dark (navy) blue dress pants can be worn on bases. There are also base pants available from HSRS. Shoes should be black with all logos either removed or hidden, and socks should be dark blue or, preferably, black. Don't forgot a belt, which should also be black.
Other items umpires generally pick up over time include the official windshirt, jacket (either satin or nylon), equipment bag (with end pockets or without), garment bag, and turtleneck.
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| 2) |
Where do I get plate equipment? |
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Proper plate equipment is a must if you wish to keep from getting injured. The list includes a face mask, chest protector, jock/jill strap, shin guards and plate shoes. Many communities will loan this equipment to new umpires until the umpires can afford to purchase their own equipment.
Plate equipment can be found at any sports store, although a few, such as Thirdegree Sports (formally Dorjac Sports), specialize in umpire gear. Also, check with veteran and/or retiring officials to see if there is any equipment they might part with. Finally, check out the For Sale section of the website for great deals on used equipment.
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| 3) |
Where do I get accessories? |
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Most accessories can be found at any sports shop including United Cycle and Thirdegree Sports. You will need a counter, brush and ball bag. Over time, you will need to purchase official equipment (such as the HSRS ball bag), and will find special equipment useful (such as mini/base brushes).
Other items you might consider purchasing include an insulated water bottle, sunglasses, a cap caddy, and a line-up holder.
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Getting Paid
| 1) |
How am I paid for league games? |
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You will be paid for league games right at the diamond. Be sure you and any partners you have are paid in full before the start of the game.
Payment is to be in cash, and nothing else. Further, it is the coach's responsibility to make change. Lastly, don't forget about the travel charge for games outside of the city. All games outside of Edmonton, with the exception of Sherwood Park and St. Albert, are subject to a $10 travel charge paid by the home team. The charge is for one vehicle, so if two umpires drive, the $10 is split between the two.
As of 2004, the rate of payment is $20/umpire, for up to 2 umpires. Therefore, if 3 officials wish to practice the three umpire system, they will split the $40 for the game (usually, the plate umpire receives $14 while each base umpire receives $13).
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| 2) |
How am I paid for tournaments? |
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You will be paid for tournaments at the end of the EYSA season (after City Championships), and generally before Provincial Championships start. The beginning of July is a good bet, but it depends on the workload of the treasurer, the speed at which No Show reports are processed, and other factors.
You will be paid for tournaments by cheque in one lump sum. Don't spend it all in one place.
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| 3) |
How am I paid for provincial championships? |
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You will be paid for a provincial on the final day of the championship. The UIC of the provincial will submit an invoice to the host before the finals are to begin, usually on the Sunday of the provincial.
You will be paid either in cash or by cheque, depending on what was agreed upon by the host and the UIC/Assigner.
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