Umpires –
*First, thanks to all of you for your patience during this unprecedented national health emergency.* I’m sure that it will come as no surprise that, in response to the very rapidly changing directives and in the interest of complying with those, the USA Softball Clinic scheduled for March 22 at Sycamore High School has been postponed. The intent is to reschedule but we will not do so until the health threat has subsided. Our Cincinnati Clinic has survived its share of challenges over the past 43 years and has become known as the longest-running umpire clinic nationally. We would like to extend the tradition of preparing our umpires in the best possible way for each and every season. *That tradition is part of our commitment to all of you.*
*An additional copy of our 2020 registration form is attached. *This fee is only $45 and should be paid now – *your USA Softball insurance for 2019 has been extended until the end of March* but the 2019 policy extension will expire at that time. Mail your check, payable to Ohio USA Softball, to the umpire office at 3016 Ambler Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45241. By mailing the check to my office in Cincinnati we are able to distribute your rule book and materials directly to you. We still plan to distribute books at the clinic but if you would like your book mailed to you please let me know and we will do so.
*Some very good news and CONGRATULATIONS – **WBSC announces Kim Johnson and Naomi Erdahl of USA Softball will officiate 2020 U-18 Women’s Softball World Cup in Lima, Peru. * Here are some excerpts from the WBSC Press Release – March 11 -OKLAHOMA CITY — The names of the appointed officials for the 2020 World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-18 Women’s Softball World Cup have been released with USA Softball of North Dakota’s Naomi Erdahl (Bismarck, N.D.) and USA Softball of Ohio’s Kim Johnson (Cincinnati, Ohio) included on the umpire roster. This is the second WBSC-sanctioned event for Johnson after also working the 2019 USA Softball International Cup. Johnson received his Elite Umpire Status in 2012 and has umpired the USA Softball Junior Olympic Cup three times (2016, 2018, 2019), the USA Softball GOLD 18U National Championship five times (2007, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2016), and has worked the NAIA National Championship (2017) and NCAA Division-III National Championship (2008). “This opportunity means all of the hard work and time away from family is paying off to be able to continue my passion and love for umpiring this sport,” Johnson said. “I am excited and honored to be part of an umpire staff working this prestigious event. I am humbled to represent the United States and USA Softball of Ohio. I am looking forward to the competition, reconnecting with umpires I know and meeting new umpires from other countries.” Umpires are selected to represent the United States at WBSC-sanctioned events through their affiliation with USA Softball.
*Local News -* Pat Hessler has asked me to let umpires know that the Milford Church League plans to open its season on Monday, April 20. He is looking for umpires and you can reach Pat by email at prhesslr@aol.com. I’ve been advised by other slow pitch leagues that they still plan to open play in late April/early May. *One thing is certain – when the games begin, whether slow pitch or fast pitch, the participants will need this recreation more than ever. I think that we all will need it as well.*
Please let me know if you have any questions and *by all means follow the advice provided by government and medical specialists to ensure your continued good health.*
*THANK YOU!*
Jerry Fick USA Softball of Ohio District #23 Commissioner State Umpire In Chief – Fast Pitch 3016 Ambler Drive Cincinnati, Ohio 45241 asauic@fuse.net (513)563-2755
Local Links: National Links:
USA-Softball-Of-Ohio-Umpire-Reg-Form-2020.pdf