The Amateur Softball Association (ASA) runs competitions in every state through a network of 76 state and metro associations. It has a membership of over 230,000 teams, with more than three million players and 35,000 umpires. Every spring all across Maine, ASA conducts clinics and provides other important training opportunities to individuals who can respond affirmatively to the following questions.
Do you enjoy working outdoors? Do you enjoy staying active and alert? Have you ever wanted to be an umpire? Or perhaps you’ve been at or played in a softball game and said to yourself, “I can do a better job umpiring than that Maine ASA Softball District Umpire and Chiefs statewide stand ready to prepare this year’s veteran and prospective umpires to umpire the great sport of softball.”
Attendees will be taught everything there is to know: including calling strikes and balls, fair and foul balls, safes and outs, the proper position on the field to make the best call and how to properly handle players and coaches. All levels of softball ranging from Junior Olympics, Modified and fast pitch, Co-ed, Men’s, Women’s and Senior division slow-pitch in numerous leagues throughout Maine need umpires to work their games. Anyone of any ability is invited to attend clinics at a location near them. Upon successful completion of the training umpires will join ASA and receive benefits including $5,000,000 of liability insurance coverage, accident insurance up to $100,000, dental insurance, a Balls and Strikes newsletter, hotel and car rental discounts and best of all get you on the field where you will be paid to have fun.
ASA umpires are nationally recognized as some of the best trained and proficient in the sport and are involved in competitions which include league play, city, state and national championships. Ultimately, ASA umpires could officiate events such as the world championship, Pan American and Olympic competitions.
Those who would like to sign up, need more information or just have questions can call Maine ASA UIC Scott Tilton at 207-807-3504 or contact him by email at uicmeasa@gmail.com. Locally, call Michael Patenaude at 207-227-4328.
