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Originally Posted by socalumps
I don't believe NCAA Collegiate Softball equates ....10 and under...mens slow pitch...seniors softball...double bases...masters...co-ed softball...with their "starting points" or their "basics."
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Well, to start, the NCAA is still in the process of getting their feet wet with NCAA softball umpires and are still somewhat reliant upon local associations to provide registration and majority of training. Yes, I know all NCAA sports are pretty much like that. Comparatively, the NCAA softball umpire system is still in the adolescent stages. The organization at the top has been getting better each year, but it wasn't that long ago that the "NCAA Softball Umpire" did not exist.
Just where to you think the umpires working college ball started? Do you think they woke up one morning and said, "Damn, I think today is the day I become a NCAA softball umpire!"
A softball umpire works softball games. Just because someone doesn't work a particular level doesn't make them any less an umpire. There are many an umpire career stymied by job, family and real life.
Anyone who believes they are above working any level of play is not someone I would want on the field. I am privileged to know an umpire who has works NCAA, NPF, HS, any level of JO, any level of men's or women's FP or SP and not only is that all in the same season, quite often a mixture of these in the same week. And works every game with the same enthusiasm.
This is an ISF certified and USA/ASA Elite umpire who has been selected for multiple 18U Gold, Women's FP, all levels JO Championships, multiple NCAA Regionals and Championships and just worked the plate of one of the Bound-4-Beijing games.
To me, THAT is the epitome of a true softball umpire and someone I want to see on the field not matter what game is being played.