Karen,
I've played men FP from 13th until 29 year's old; by then my knees were worn out (always been a catcher) and had 2 operations on 1 knee in 14 months time. By then I retired as a player. At the young age of 15, I was already umpiring; helped out my dad. So when I quit playing it was an easy step to umpire for our national federation. First in the regional leagues, later on national level.
Now at 42, I'm certified for the ESF for the 3th year. The ESF is the European Softball Federation. They organise the European Championships for counties and for the club-teams the EuroCup's. National champ.'s come to the EC-I, the national cupwinners to the EC-II.
To become ESF-certified, one has to be named by his national federation to the ESF. Must therefore be in the top of one own's country... (So that makes me top-11 in the Neth.'s).
Playing and umpire at the same time ain't gonna work out overhere: TOP-competions are Sat. & Sun. We get paid a little for compensation, but it's still "
hobby". I work in 3-shift factory, so on weekdays playing ain't also gonna work: every week another shift (Morning/Afternoon/Night)... and oooh, yeah my wife and son want to see me also when I'm off
