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Championships
Here is a comprehensive look at the various championships umpires can officiate, and how to get to them. The focus is on fast pitch events.
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Provincial Championships:
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To officiate any provincial championship, one must be at least a level II official and registered with Softball Canada. Officiating higher-level championships, such as those that lead to post-provincials, will require higher certification levels and more experience. It is recommended that an umpire successfully complete a provincial evaluator and become a fully certified level III official for these events.
An umpire with the EMSUA can expect to be moved up to higher-quality provincial championships as he improves. Advancing to higher certification levels, being evaluated at the association's annual tournament, and voicing an interest in officiating higher levels should all be undertaken if one wishes to reach these higher-quality provincial championships. Be sure to provide your availability to the assigner.
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To officiate at one of the provincial evaluators, one must be a level II umpire and have been registered with Softball Canada for two consecutive years, plus the year in which the evaluator takes place. For fast pitch, the three possible events are the Bantam "A" Girls, the Open Men's, and the Intermediate "B" and "C" Men's Provincial Championships.
Generally, an umpire can expect to attend a provincial evaluator no earlier than in his fourth year. Further, an umpire must be 18 years of age, due to age requirements for level II certification. You must apply to officiate a provincial evaluator, attend a level III clinic, learn the three umpire system, and commit to officiating higher levels of ball during the season. Spots at these evaluators are limited, so you should be prepared to make the most of your opportunity.
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Eastern/Western Canadian Championships:
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To officiate an Eastern/Western Canadian Championship, one must be fully level III certified, registered with Softball Canada for two consecutive years, plus the year in which the Championship takes place, and recommended to attend an Eastern/Western Canadian Championship.
Eastern/Western Canadian Championships take place at the following levels: Pee Wee Boys and Girls, Bantam Boys and Girls, Midget "B" Boys and Girls, Junior "B" Men's and Women's, Senior "B" Men's and Women's, and Masters Men's and Women's.
You must apply to officiate an Eastern/Western Canadian Championship, attend a level III clinic, learn the three umpire system, and commit to officiating higher levels of ball during the season. Spots at these championships are very limited as provinces are only entitled to one or two spots, so you should be prepared to make the most of your opportunity and do your best to represent not just your local association, but your province at these championships.
An umpire should expect to attend at least two Eastern/Western Canadian Championships before moving onto Canadian Championships.
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To officiate a Midget Girls, Midget Boys, or Junior Women's Canadian Championship, one must be fully level III certified, registered with Softball Canada for two consecutive years, plus the year in which the Championship takes place, recommended to attend a Canadian Championship, and have attended a level IV certification clinic.
To officiate a Junior Men's, Senior Women's, or Senior Men's Canadian Championship, one must be fully level IV certified, registered with Softball Canada for two consecutive years, plus the year in which the Championship takes place, and recommended to attend a Canadian Championship. Further, Softball Alberta alternates between sending a level IV and a level V official to the Senior Men's Canadian Championship each year. In even-numbered years, a level IV official will be sent, while a level V official will be sent in odd-numbered years. Be aware of this when you apply.
You must apply to officiate a Canadian Championship, attend a level IV clinic, learn the three and four umpire systems, and commit to officiating higher levels of ball during the season. Spots at these championships are extremely limited as provinces are only entitled to one spot for each championship, so you should be prepared to make the most of your opportunity and do your best to represent not just your local association, but your province at these championships.
Softball Alberta does not sent umpires to Canadian Championships at either the Pee Wee or Bantam levels.
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Softball Canada recognizes various events that its umpires may officiate. Below are the most popular events EMSUA umpires are interested in.
To officiate at the Canada Cup, an umpire must apply by the spring of the year of the tournament. As this is an international tournament, generally only high-level officials will be considered. Further, you must be prepared to pay for the various related expenses including travel and accommodations. The tournament is held every year at Softball City.
To officiate at the Alberta Summer Games, one must have experience with the category of softball being played, or higher, and apply to the provincial UIC. Held in even-numbered years, the games will next take place in 2006 in Red Deer. For more information on the Alberta Summer Games, consult either the Government of Alberta, or the official site.
To officiate at the Western Canada Summer Games, one must be fully level III certified, and apply to the provincial UIC. The games are held every four years with the next games held in 2007 in the County of Strathcona, Alberta. For more information on the Western Canada Summer Games, consult the Government of Alberta.
To officiate at the Canada Summer Games, one must be fully level IV certified, and apply to the provincial UIC. Held every four years, the games will next take place in 2005 in Regina, Saskatchewan, and then in Prince Edward Island in 2009. For more information, consult either the Government of Alberta, or the official site.
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International Championships:
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Various world championships and international competitions are available for Softball Canada officials to attend. These tournaments are put on by the International Softball Federation (ISF) and the International Softball Congress (ISC), to name a few. For events other than those listed below, consult the ISF's Calendar and other sources.
To officiate at the ISF Men's World Championship, one must be a level V umpire (either continental or international). Umpires are selected by the Softball Canada National Director of Umpires. The games are held every four years, with the next games held in 2008. The location is to be determined.
To officiate at the ISC World Tournament, one must be selected by the ISC. Held annually, the next games will be held in 2005 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. For more information on the ISC World Tournament, check out the ISC's official site.
To officiate at the ISC II Tournament, one must be selected by the ISC. The games are held every year, along side the ISC World Tournament. The next games will be held in 2005 in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. For more information on the ISC II Tournament, check out the ISC's official site.
To officiate at the Pan-Am Games, one must be a level V umpire (either continental or international). Umpires are selected by the Softball Canada National Director of Umpires. The games are held every four years, taking place the year before the summer Olympics. The next games will be held in 2007 in Rio de Janeiro. For more information, check out the Pan-Am Games' history.
To officiate at the Olympics, one must be a level V umpire (either continental or international) with extensive international officiating experience. Umpires are selected by the Softball Canada National Director of Umpires. Only one or two officials from Canada have attended the Olympics every four years, so you can imagine how hard it is to be selected. Offering a little help, the ISF has posted an article on what it takes to reach the Olympics.
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