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RYFSA Umpires

The game of fastpitch softball can be very rewarding to coaches, players, and parents...win or lose...provided the game is called by an umpire that displays confidence, rules knowledge, and proficient field mechanics. Believe me, there is no better feeling when the losing coach comes up to you to shake your hand and says, "you called a very good game, blue." With the training and experience on the ball field, you can become a great umpire with endless opportunities and no limitations. RYFSA Umpires are governed under the USA Softball of Minnesota.  If you are interested in becoming an umpire, please do not hesitate to call me at 1(815)295-4733 or correspond with me at mr300_1996@yahoo.com. l look forward to hearing from you!

Mark Benfield
RYFSA Umpire in Chief
USA Softball of Minnesota

 

For those serious about umpiring, the USA Softball umpire training is the best available in any sports organization today. National, Regional, and local umpiring mechanic clinics and rules clinics are scheduled each spring and in many cases late winter for new umpires. Training is similar at each level, as prescribed by USA Softball Umpire Manual.

USA Softball umpires wear a uniform with protective equipment that are available through various official's equipment website. The new USA Softball logo on the shirts, hats, and ball bags with Heather Grey pants and black belt is the uniform to wear. Black plate shoes is a must! Uniforms and equipment can be located on the website:  http://www.officialgear.com

If you would like to become an umpire for USA Softball games this summer, you will need to complete a few tasks:

Umpire Registration requirements in 2023:

1.      Register online from this page of our website. https://slowpitch.mnsoftball.com/umpires

2.      Make a credit card payment online after receiving an email with an invoice.

3.      View the online clinic https://slowpitch.mnsoftball.com/clinics

4.      Take the appropriate test online from this page on our website. https://slowpitch.mnsoftball.com/umpires

5.      Our commissioner will forward your registration information to the National office to have a background check completed (at no cost to you).

6.      In late May (or an appropriate time after most of our umpire roster has registered), I will get you information on how to complete the SafeSport Course.

Attend one of the Umpire Clinics locally or attend a USA Softball National Umpire School, or the Minnesota State USA Softball Umpire School. It's suggested that new umpires attend as many local Umpire Clinics they can on their first year.

Dates for Umpire Clinics

  • 4/15/23 in Goodhue, MN at 3:30pm
  • 4/22/23 in Pine Island, MN at 6:30pm
  • 4/26/23 in Rochester, MN at 6:30pm (McQuillan fields)

Once these are complete, you're ready and eligible to umpire USA Softball in Minnesota!

 

Braxton Raymond Memorial RYFSA Umpire of the Year Award

I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you about a new award that RYFSA is establishing this year, the Braxton Raymond Memorial RYFSA Umpire of the Year Award. This award was established to recognize one umpire yearly for their dedication and contributions to the Rochester Area Softball community and their involvement in helping both players and coaches.

READ MORE, SEE WINNERS

(507)272-8414

Mark Benfield - RYFSA Umpire in Chief