The Central Alberta Softball Umpires Association (CASUA) is in dire need of umpires for the upcoming season.
In the year prior to the pandemic, the CASUA employed approximately 150 umpires and last season had just 105 people to officiate games all over central Alberta.
From the upcoming season, the association will lose around 25 more umpires, therefore, looking to add 60 more umpires to their staff.
Former president of the CASUA and current umpire of 45 years Brad Lyon told The Advocate their goal is to return to the number they had before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re into the recruitment cycle for the 2023 season,” he said.
Losing umpires every year is normal and they never had enough umpires but made do with the demand for games.
In 2019, when they had 150 umpires Lyon said that was barely enough to cover the games and tournaments.
“We know at this point from our 105 last year we’ve got 25 of those who’ve indicated they’re not coming back. That’s pretty much standard from year to year,” he said.
Some umpires leave due to moving away, having other responsibilities, or after doing it for a year and deciding it wasn’t for them.
“We’ve also had about 25 people who have indicated to us that they’d like to become umpires so right now we’re basically sawed off,” he added.
Their coverage area includes Didsbury, Olds, Innisfail, Sundre, Elnora, Trochu, Delburne, Red Deer, Sylvan Lake, Blackfalds, Lacombe, Ponoka, Bashaw, Clive, Bentley, Rimbey/ Bluffton, Stettler, Camrose, Castor, Coronation, and Consort.
Within that geographical area, they cover multiple minor ball associations in communities as well as ladies’ fastball in Red Deer and the Highway 21 men’s league.
“The majority of what we do is girls’ softball and that sport is simply exploding,” he said. “We’re seeing new associations it seems almost every year. More players are registering which means more teams are being formed… When that happens there is a need for more umpires.”
For those who do want to give it a try the only requirement is they have to be over 12 years of age and once training has concluded they’ll make at least $30 per game.
Lyon explained it’s been a good summer job for many of their umpires and are allowed to work whenever they can make it work. Some of their recruits have done up to six to 10 games in a weekend.
To become an umpire they must first go through a certification process before heading to the diamond. The theory portion is online and an in-person mechanic’s clinic will be held throughout April by the CASUA.
The first will be held on April 1 in Rimbey followed by April 15 in Red Deer, April 16 in New Norway, and April 29 in Castor.
“We got a lot of young people who are current ball players who want to get into umpiring but we also have some who are in their 70s’,” he said.
“Our goal is if you’re interested - even if it’s just to make a bit of extra money for a summer job or aspire to become an official - we’ll get you the training and certification you need.
“During the season we have mentors who will work with the new umpires to provide advice, support, and training.”
Depending on how much or how little the umpires work, it can be quite lucrative and the CASUA have had some of their officials move on to working in high-level games such as national tournaments.