THIS IS FOR UMPIRES WHO ARE NAIA MEMBERS AND WANT TO QUALIFY FOR POST SEASON IN NAIA Justin Gragg, NAIA DIRECTOR OF OFFICIATING, has released a new post in NAIA Softball. The 2024 NAIA Softball Rules Test has been posted. The study guide is located on the RQ+ NAIA Softball Central Hub Site under News & Announcements. Do not wait
New NCAA Approved Softball Bat List (December 12, 2022)
A new NCAA Approved Softball Bat List (December 12, 2022) and Summary of Changes (December 12, 2022) have been posted. The link to the current bat list on our Locker Room Links page has been updated. You can access this new bat list by going to the Locker Room (select the Links button on the Dashboard page) or by using
Notes from the Training Staff – January 2022
CCSUA Meeting On Sunday, January 16, 2022, CCSUA conducted its annual CCSUA Assigners and Training Staff meeting. This meeting has been held for many years in January to prepare our CCSUA umpires for the upcoming season. This year’s meeting was attended by 165 CCSUA umpires, as well a couple of college coaches and visitors from northern California who are considering
Notes from the Training Staff – December 2021
From our Chairperson Rich Kollen, your assigners, and the CCSUA Training Staff: We wish our umpires and their families a wonderful Holiday Season. It has been a rough two years with COVID, but we seem to be back on track starting in late January with college softball. Let us not forget Roger Denny and Vince Rojas, who passed away this
Notes from the Training Staff – November 2021
Rule changes 2022 There are some significant rule changes incorporated into the 2022-2023 NCAA Softball Rules Book. Subsequent changes and/or clarifications to these rule changes are usually posted before the season. For this reason, the articles on the Locker Room which are affected by these new rules will be updated closer to the beginning of the season. John Bennett is
Notes from the Training Staff – October 2021
Now is the time to start reviewing the Rules Book, including the new rule changes for the 2021/2022 Season. Currently, there are three study groups formed in the Southern California area and one study group in Central California, with the possibility of a fourth study group being formed in Southern California. Study groups traditionally meet one night a week (in-person,
Notes from the Training Staff – September 2021
From the Assigners The NCAA has announced a new college softball uniform for the 2022 season. For those of you registered in the NCAA Central Hub, you have seen their announcement. There are 2 options for the 2022 season because the manufacturer (Smitty) states the uniforms will not be available until late 2021 and early 2022. • Option #1 Conferences
Notes from the Training Staff – July 2021
From the Training Staff The first NCAA Approved Softball Bat List for the upcoming 2021-22 academic year has been posted. It is dated July 12, 2021. You can find a link to it on the Links page of the Locker Room, on the NCAA Softball Home Plate at www.sup.arbitersports.com, and on NCAA Softball Rules of the Game website. From the
Notes from the Training Staff – June 2021
From our CCSUA Assignors For the upcoming 2021/22 fall & spring softball seasons, we may see many conferences adopting the policy that only vaccinated officials can be on the roster for the upcoming season(s). Both the CCAA/D2 and the Pac-12 have already adopted this policy. Proof of completion of COVID vaccinations will be required. We expect other NCAA conferences to
Notes from the Training Staff – May 2021
Schedule updates Community College play continues through June 9th. Accolades The GSAC Championship Tournament was held recently. Congratulations to Kent Jacobsen & Darren Deckard for their selection. The Commissioner & coaches were pleased with their professionalism. The SCIAC Championship Tournament will be held May 7-8-9 weekend: Crew: Leighton Hickman (crew chief), Tim Kohut, Danny Winders, Arturo Quinonez ORANGE EMPIRE CONFERENCE
Notes from the Training Staff – April 2021
The 2021 softball season is in full swing. Community College games have started, NAIA as been playing for a while, and all three NCAA Divisions are well into their Conference games. New articles CCSUA/Play ball: SCIAC COVID Policies & Testing CCSUA/Play ball: Community College Covid Testing Protocols Updated articles and links Protocols Corner/Responsibilities: The Protocols for Ejections. A new link
Notes from the Training Staff – March 2021
From the Assignors UPDATES TO ASSIGNMENTS The community college conferences will be up and running, but not all the colleges will participate. Here are a few updates: Scheduling and games Coast Conference – Terry Ching Still awaiting information at this writing. Western State Conference – Joanne Venditto/Tony Cooper Teams playing are Moorpark – Oxnard – Ventura – Cuesta – Bakersfield
Notes from the Training Staff – February 2021
From the training staff NCAA – Rule changes, revised rules, clarifications and interpretations for 2021 Most of these were presented during the CCSUA Annual Meeting (Zoom meeting). Uniforms (3.10.3) 3.10.3. Commemorative/memorial patches allowed if authorized by institution or conference (e.g. names, mascots, nicknames, logos, and those intended to celebrate or memorialize persons, events or causes). See Locker Room (LR) article
Notes from the Training Staff – January 2021
Reminder – the annual CCSUA/Assignors meeting will be held on January 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. You must register for this meeting. You have been sent emails with the link to register and the link to this on-line Zoom meeting. You can also find these links in an article posted to the Locker Room – CCSUA/Assignors annual meeting
Notes from the Training Staff – December 2020
A new NCAA Approved Softball Bat List (December 14, 2020) and Summary of Changes (December 14, 2020) have been posted. The link to the current bat list on our Locker Room Links page has been updated. You can access this new bat list by going to the Locker Room (select the Links button on the Dashboard page) or by using
Notes from the Training Staff – November 2020
From the training staff The CCSUA training staff welcomes questions on rules, mechanics, game management and protocols…basically anything related to college softball umpiring. We use these questions as teaching moments. To accomplish this, we need the communications to be sent in emails – much easier to copy/paste the questions and have a record of the answers. Send your questions to
Notes from the Training Staff – October 2020
From Referee Magazine Barry Mano You all receive Referee Magazine every month as part of your CCSUA/NASO membership. Are you using this resource? In each issue Barry Mano, founder of NASO and Referee Magazine publisher, has a column Publisher’s Memo. This is always good reading. In the current issue (November 2020), Barry discusses the impact the pandemic has taken on
Notes from the Training Staff – September 2020
From our Chairperson, Rich Kollen: Our world sure has changed since March due to COVID-19. It has affected sports at all levels. We lost the 2020 collegiate softball season as well as all summer tournaments and games. Opportunities for student athletes to be evaluated by college coaches for scholarships were lost. As I write this, we are still in limbo,
Notes from the Training Staff – August 2020
There have been many changes and updates to the CCSUA Locker Room since our last posting of the Notes from the Training Staff – July. Thanks to the members of the Training Staff who have helped with a complete review of the articles and videos on the Locker Room – Dan Cowan, Mark Craver, Lyle Dove, Tony Garcia, Bob McElroy,
Notes from the Training Staff – July 2020
From the Assignors If you have seen that you are not getting Arbiter mass emails from Assignors, you need to change a setting in your Arbiter within the Group you are in. So, if you belong to multiple Arbiter Sports Groups, you need to go into each one and fix the ALERT SETTINGS. Click on PROFILE…Click on PREFERENCES…. Look at
Notes from the Training Staff – June 2020
From our Chairperson Rich Kollen What a crazy and sad time in our country, with the virus and civil unrest we are experiencing. I recently spent 22 hours on Zoom calls to develop plans for reopening California community college athletics. The committee addressed the health and safety of student athletes, coaches, fans, and staff, including officials. The other issue facing
Notes from the Training Staff – May 2020
The CCSUA Training staff encourages you to stay safe and healthy so we can all be back on the field eventually. A strong and healthy body leads to a strong and healthy immune system. College softball umpires train year-round by studying the rule book, the CCA Manual, accessing the Locker Room, and taking the monthly tests. We are also expected
Notes from the Training Staff – April 2020
As a member of CCSUA, and therefore a member of NASO, you should be receiving daily emails from Referee.com with a Softball Caseplay of the Day. If you are not receiving them, contact NASO. If you are, please read them and check the rule if you do not agree with their ruling for college. And…watch for some of these plays
Notes from the Training Staff – March 2020
As everybody is well aware, our softball season has been interrupted by a serious pandemic. Most of the games for this season have been either suspended or cancelled. You have received emails from your assigners to this regard. Camp Information: The operators of the Next Level Collegiate Umpire Camp have announced their 2020 Camp. A post to the Locker Room
A Message From Barry Mano, President of NASO
Excerpts from his March 17, 2020 statement I write to you today to lift your spirits, and mine too. What we are collectively going through in sports officiating is so unfortunate. Yes, first and foremost comes our health and that of all of us in our communities, towns, cities and countries. That comes first. We of course tend to focus
Notes from the Training Staff – March 2020
As everybody is well aware, our softball season has been interrupted by a serious pandemic. Most of the games for this season have been either suspended or cancelled. You have received emails from your assigners to this regard. Camp Information: The operators of the Next Level Collegiate Umpire Camp have announced their 2020 Camp. A post to the Locker Room
Notes from the Training Staff – February 2020
NCAA Regional Advisor From Joanne Venditto, our NCAA Regional Advisor – there is continued focus for an accurate and consistent strike zone. Read the short article in the CCSUA Locker Room on the Strike Zone, in the Rules Corner/Batting/The Pitch. There is added emphasis on calling the drop ball which is at the top of the knee at the front
Notes from the Training Staff – January 2020
NCAA Recent important announcement from NCAA – a new bat list has been issued, dated January 14, 2020. The link from our Locker Room (use the Links button) has been updated. Qualification test information The CCSUA Qualification test has been posted. It will expire on January 31 at 5pm PST. It is strongly recommended that you download the available pdf
Notes from the Training Staff – December 2019
Many of you who have signed up for the NCAA/SUP and will be receiving your new rule book and CCA Manual. There have been some big changes in the pitching rule and minor changes in other rules. We will post an article to the Locker Room website which will summarize the rule changes, as soon as the training staff has
Notes from the Training Staff – November 2019
As the season approaches, take some time to review the rule book and CCA Manual. The newest version of these will be published in December…be watching for the announcement of their availability. Postings since last month’s News & NotesArticles – Major re-writing of the article Pitch Hit Hands or Bat, and it has been renamed The Hands are NOT Part
Notes from the Training Staff – October 2019
Check the Locker Room for updates on the new rules. There is an updated clarification for the new pitching rule in the Rules Corner/ Pitching Procedures. titled Pitcher taking the signal. Have you taken the October test yet? It will no longer be available after October 31, 2019. The assigners are in the middle of their assignments for the 2020
Notes from the Training Staff – September 2019
Fall Ball has started. What is the official title for college Fall Ball? See page 10 of the NCAA Rule Book for the answer. Are there special rules for Fall Ball? The answer is yes…have you read the recently re-posted article on the Locker Room? You should have registered with CCSUA for the 2020 season. There are a lot of
Notes from the Training Staff – August 2019
Your CCSUA training staff continues to work through the “off-season” to help our umpires improve their games, and to recruit new umpires. We did observations at the recent USA Softball Champions Cup in Irvine, CA. We will be holding a three-umpire camp in August at a Men’s Fastpitch tournament; umpires have been selected by the assigners to attend. We will
2020-21 NCAA PLAYING RULE CHANGES
These playing rules changes that have been approved by the Playing Rules Oversight Panel (PROP). PROP is the final approval body for any NCAA Playing Rule Changes. These rule changes are now FINAL. July 25, 2019 11:34am. Changes to pitching procedures approved in softball rules will standardize the way pitchers take the signal The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel on
Notes from the Training Staff – July 2019
CCSUA Registration information or the 2020 season will be posted soon. Contact Rich Kollen if you have any questions about registration. The NCAA has posted a new NCAA Approved Softball Bat List, effective July 8, 2019. This is the only bat list which should be used for all games until a newer one is posted. Last month’s Notes pointed out
Notes from the Training Staff – June 2019
The 2019 college softball season is now in our rear-view mirrors and fading fast as the summer months approach. After last year’s season we posted an article to our Locker Room titled CCSUA Umpires Self-Assessment Program, and the form to use for this self-assessment, CCSUA Self-Assessment Form. If you had completed that form for the 2019 season, you would have
Notes from the Training Staff – May 2019
This is the time to do a self-evaluation. What things do you need to work on for next season? How and what do you need to improve on? Reflect on the things you did well and how to improve on them and use them as building blocks. You have the off season to work on your game; you do not
Notes from the Training Staff – April 2019
All of the 2018 and 2019 tests have been re-opened so you can review your results and use them for studying. If you have not taken them, you may do so but your grades will not be added to the gradebooks, as the tests have expired. Additions to Locker Room New article: Game Management/General – The Official Scorer.New videos: Rules/Batter-runner
Notes from the Training Staff – March 2019
Locker Room postings since last month’s News & Notes Articles: RulesCorner – Batting/Pitch: Hit-by-Pitch Detection. Game Management Corner – General: Protests and Forfeits revised. Videos: Mechanics/Plate umpire movement – Fair or foul call get set; Foul near backstop Removed bats, Ejections, Protests Do you know what to do when you remove bats, have an ejection, or have a protest for
Notes from the Training Staff – February 2019
We have had multiple interpretations recently on the rule regarding the pitcher taking a signal. Please use the most recent one only, which has been posted to the Locker Room. The others have been deleted from the Locker Room as they were confusing and contradictory. Here is a quick summary of the correct interpretation: 1) Before the pitcher steps onto
Notes from the Training Staff – January 2019
The CCSUA 2019 Qualification Test is now available in our Locker Room. It is posted in the Training Courses tab; select the link “2019 Qualification Test – January 2019.” The deadline for the test is February 10, 2019 at 5 pm PST. The test is 50 questions, all True/False. The passing grade is 80%. You must receive a passing grade
A Tour of the Locker Room
Overall Design Welcome to our Locker Room website. The website is designed to be easy to navigate so you can find the information you need quickly. Please take a moment to read this article on how to best navigate it and quickly find what you are looking for. The home page is called the Dashboard. The Dashboard page has the
Notes from the Training Staff – December 2018
Dates, locations and times for the annual CCSUA Assignors and Training Meeting are posted on the Locker Room in the Calendar section – both North and South. Make sure you have accepted the appropriate meeting through Arbiter. If you attend without doing so, there will be no lunch ordered for you. A new NCAA Approved Softball Bat List was posted
Notes from the Training Staff – November 2018
Training Our Fall Ball training cycle has wrapped up. Thank you to the umpires who participated and the observers who did their usual great job of helping to improve our umpires and therefore the CCSUA. As announced earlier, the dates for our 2019 CCSUA/Assignors meetings will be: South: January 13, Cerritos College North: January 19, site to be determined Our
Notes from the Training Staff – October 2018
Beginning with October all Monthly Tests will be posted early in each month. Each test will expire on the last day of the respective month. New bat list posted September 19, 2018. Make sure all games are played with this new bat list. The 2019 NCAA Softball Case Book has been published. There is a link on our Locker Room
Notes from the Training Staff – September 2018
NCAA/SUP Umpire Institute The NCAA/SUP Umpire Institute was held in early September. Our SUP Regional Adviser, Jim Sanderson, attended as part of the instructional staff. We will be posting some of the discussion items in our Locker Room soon. Thanks, Jim, for your hard work and input. NASO Member Protection Has Doubled NASO insurance coverage has doubled, effective August 1,
NASO Member Protection Has Doubled
NASO insurance coverage has doubled, effective August 1, 2018.
Notes from the Training Staff – August 2018
CCSUA Training Cycle The start of our yearly training cycle begins in September. We will be holding our annual Fall Clinic for potential new umpires, 2nd year (in 2019) umpires, and selected veterans. Our yearly training cycle includes this Fall Clinic, Fall Ball observation games, the CCSUA/Assignors Annual meeting in January, and the Preseason Camp in late January. Monthly tests
Notes from the Training Staff – July 2018
Welcome to our new Affiliate members. Affiliate members have joined our California Collegiate Softball Umpires Association (CCSUA) so they can have access to our Locker Room website, which is a joint venture between CCSUA and NASO. They are not assigned games by the assigners who work with the CCSUA. The Locker Room is filled with notes and short articles written
Notes from the Training Staff – June 2018
We will continue to have monthly tests during the college “off-season” (see the paragraph below). The June 2018 test is now posted in the Training Courses section of our Locker Room. Hint – perhaps you did not have time during the season to thoroughly review the new NCAA Case Book. The next few monthly tests will be taking plays directly from that Case Book. We
Notes from the Training Staff – May 2018
The college umpire season has completed for most of us. We hope you had a successful season and took a lot of notes on how to improve your game. Congratulations to the CCSUA members who have worked, or will be working, the Community College playoffs, the NAIA playoffs, and the NCAA Regionals, Super Regionals, and Women’s College World Series. Congratulations
End of Season Challenges
We are getting close to the end of the marathon. This is the time that Coaches are looking for an advantage. When coaches start questioning anything and everything. Even when somethings is not there. They have to “stir it up a little bit”. “Create some mayhem” , “Mind games”. It’s known in the sports world as “Gaming the Officials”. Continue to
Notes from the Training Staff – April 2018
Monthly Test The April 2018 test has been posted. There are a few questions on three-umpire mechanics. We all need to study these mechanics as the selections for post-season at all levels has started. Locker Room Updates There have been many changes to our Locker Room since mid-March. As you read the articles, watch the videos, and review the Calendar
Notes from the Training Staff – March 2018
The March Notes from the Training Staff are a bit longer than the normal monthly Notes. The season in is in full swing, a lot is happening on the field, and we want to keep all CCSUA umpires up to date on all that is going on in college softball. Explanation on the monthly tests Due to unforeseen circumstances, we
Notes from the Training Staff – February 2018
Our monthly Notes from the Training Staff will be a bit longer, as we are now using this News & Notes section of the Locker Room to replace the monthly Newsletter. The Season Has Started DO NOT WAIT to take your test. If you need help or a question or two is stumping you, contact a veteran umpire. We all
Notes from the Training Staff – January 2018
It was great seeing everyone at the meetings and clinics. So, now it’s time to hit the books to regain the knowledge. And we all know….. When we have knowledge, and apply the knowledge, we have the power. Note: make sure you review these two articles on the Locker Room (they can be found in the Training Information section) –
Notes from the Training Staff – December 2017
New Bat List A new bat list has been issued, effective 12/11/17. It has been posted to the Locker Room – Resources, Links. The next scheduled change will be April 9, 2018. However, additional lists will be posted if timely information warrants, such as when a manufacturer withdraws a bat model or the results of bat testing dictate assessing strikes
Notes from the Training Staff – November 2017
Reminder – send an email to confirm your attendance at one of the CCSUA/Assigner meetings – Dave Long for the South meeting on January 7, Oscar Segura for the North meeting on January 13. Assigner are still assigning games. Make sure you block all your unavailable dates. Hint: as soon as you accept assignments and select Submit, your very next
Notes from the Training Staff – October 2017
Two themes which will be emphasized for the upcoming college softball season are getting the call right, and good communications on the field. Think of a few examples of verbal communications which should be used in both two-umpire and three-umpire crews as they move around the field/diamond to cover plays, pushing and pulling umpire movement. Verbal communication must be supported
Notes from the Training Staff – September 2017
Detailed information on the 2018-2019 major rule changes can be found on our Locker Room. The document is found in Resources/CCSUA/ CCSUA Forms. Select: Major Rule Changes 2018-2019. USE YOUR BROWSER BACK BUTTON TO RETURN TO NEWS & NOTES The Fall Ball rules are explained in an article on the Locker Room. Fall Ball 2017 Rules. USE YOUR BROWSER BACK
Notes from the Training Staff – August 2017
Inaugural NCAA Softball Umpire Institute. The NCAA will conduct a NCAA Softball Umpire Institute that includes classroom and on-field instruction. The institute will be conducted at the USA Hall of Fame Stadium and home of the NCAA Women’s College World Series. Mechanics training, game situations, rules application/interpretation and game management will be part of the curriculum presented. The Institute will
Notes from the Training Staff – July 2017
A second reminder (a repeat from last month) – Now is the time to update availability for fall ball and planning for next season. Now is also the time to register for CCSUA for the 2017-2018 time period. You will find the 2017/18 CCSUA Registration form on both the Arbiter website (go to Lists then Forms) and the Locker Room
CCSUA Registration for 2017-2018
DEADLINE FOR RETURNING MEMBERS, ONLY: AUGUST 15, 2017. If POSTMARKED AFTER THE 15TH, add $40 to your total amount.
Notes from the Training Staff – June 2017
Self-assessment Now is the time to do a short self-assessment of your 2017 college softball umpiring season. If you have not done this before, make it a yearly habit. Start a new document or grab a blank piece of paper and write some thoughts on how you think you did. Do this now, while the season is still fresh in
Notes from the Training Staff – May 2017
We have tentatively set the CCSUA SoCal Fall Clinic date for September 10, 2017. We are working on a date for our NorCal umpires. This Clinic is for our potential new umpires for the 2018 season, our umpires who have just completed their first season as college umpires, and selected veterans. Umpires who will be in their second year in
Notes from the Training Staff – April 2017
NCAA Softball 2017 Rules Survey: There are some very interesting questions in this year’s NCAA Softball Rules Survey. Here are some of the questions. A more complete list will be in the May Newsletter Change the obstruction rule to requiring the fielder to have possession of the ball in her hand or glove? Change the illegal pitch penalty to a
News & Notes from the Training Staff – March 2017
Too many observers and mentors are reporting that the umpire pre-games are unstructured. It appears that umpires are trying to remember, or just guessing, about the topics to be discussed. This is hard to understand, as the CCA Manual has a comprehensive list of topics (in Section 3), and all college softball umpires are expected to have a written checklist
News & Notes from the Training Staff – February 2017
The presentations from the CCSUA Annual Meetings have been posted in the Training Information section. A very important addition to the Locker Room was posted regarding projected substitutions involving the DP/Flex. This discussion was a result of a difference of opinions by umpires at the recent Kajikawa tournament. The situation occurs often in a game. PLEASE, MAKE SURE YOU REVIEW
Notes from the Training Staff – January 2017
Umpires should be busy this month putting the final polish on their physical and mental game. Study, do quizzes and tests, have round-table study group discussions, check equipment and take care physically with some exercise to prepare for the first games. Make sure to get your minds in shape by reading parts of the rule book and CCA manual daily
Notes from the Training Staff – December 2016
A new NCAA Approved Softball Bat List was posted on December 12, 2016. Information for the Annual Meetings has been posted on Arbiter and the Locker Room. You must send an email to one of these people designating which meeting you will attend – Dave Long for the South meeting, Oscar Segura for the North meeting. We will order lunch
Notes from the Training Staff – November 2016
CCSUA umpires in the news: Katrina Kershaw is interviewed in the December’s Referee Magazine softball section’s “Five Minutes With…” Glenn Waggoner has an article in December’s Referee Magazine’s softball section. Make sure you read it. Reminder: contact Dave Long via email regarding which CCSUA/Assignor’s meeting your will attend. NCAA News: You can register for the 2017 NCAA Softball Umpire Clinic
Notes from the Training Staff – October 2016
Dates for the 2017 CCSUA/Assignors meetings have been determined: January 8 – CCSUA SOUTH annual meeting. Site and time to be determined. January 14 – CCSUA NORTH annual meeting. Hayward Japanese Gardens, 9am-3pm. Hawaii February (TBD) The monthly test has been posted for October. Make sure you read the October Newsletter and the new articles posted to our Locker Room
Notes from the Training Staff – September 2016
Debbi Lauderback has resigned as the assigner for the Community College playoffs. Joanne Venditto and Rich Kollen are working with the Community College coaches association to better define the selection process for playoffs. This is a good time to take an inventory of your uniform and equipment. Check your equipment to see if repairs or replacements are needed. Check your uniforms for proper color and size.
Notes from the Training Staff – August 2016
Fall Ball is approaching. The next two monthly tests – August and September – will have questions regarding the Nonchampionship Segment of NCAA softball. We call it Fall Ball but it covers from the end of the regular season in 2016 to the beginning of the 2017 season. Make sure you study page 15 of the 2016-2017 NCAA Softball Rule
College Camps – Prepare for 2019
The Assignors, your SUP Advisor, and the CCSUA Training staff bring to your attention that many college camps are being held from June through October. The Assignors for the top NCAA softball conferences expect umpires to attend a college camp The SUP staff recommends to umpires who want to be considered for post-season to attend a camp The CCSUA Training staff supports our
Notes from the Training Staff – June 2016 (Updated)
Another great resource. Are you capitalizing on another great resource available to CCSUA umpires – watching the umpiring at top-level games on TV? If you watched any of the D1 postseason you saw a lot of good training material. Here are some musings on these postseason games, with additional details and comments. Announcers still struggle to accurately cite rules and
Notes from the Training Staff – May 2016
We are at the end of the regular season and now the post-season starts. Congratulations for those who have received assignments. Many of you deserve to work post-season but there are limited spots. Do not be discouraged if you have not been selected. Keep improving your game by using all the resources in our Locker Room. DP reentry interpretation We have
Notes from the Training Staff – April 2016
A lot has been happening in college softball in our areas as the season heats up and teams are vying for possible post-season selection. We have had many umpire/coach discussions, unusual plays, and questions about rules. To assist our umpires to make the right calls and be in the correct positions to make those calls, we have a valuable
Notes from the Training Staff – March 2016
SUP Update The NCAA SUP website has added a new section on their Main page at the very top of the middle column – ERAs (Essential Rules Awareness). The March ERAs have been posted. Be sure you read these important clarifications on: Projected substitutions Questioning the strike zone and other judgment calls Scouting information and electronic equipment use Backstop padding
Notes from the Training Staff – February 2016
The college softball season is well on its journey toward May and the post-season. We hope your season is going well so far. We would like to start collecting interesting plays or experiences at your games. Please send John Bennett an email if you would like to share something unusual or something which could lead to an educational discussion about
Notes from the Training Staff – January 2016
We hope everybody had a wonderful Holiday Season and you are off to a great New Year. December and January were very busy months for the CCSUA Training Staff as we: Prepared and delivered, with your Assignors, two Annual Meetings with informative PowerPoints, instructional videos, and interesting discussions. Devleoped and published the CCSUA 2016 Qualification Test Assisted the SUP in developing the 2016
CCSUA/Assignors Meeting – North
Meeting information January 16, 2016. 9am to 3pm. Hayward Japanese Garden 22373 N 3rd Dt, Castro Valley, Ca 94546. Dress is business casual. Conference meetings will be held after the main meeting Contact Oscar Segura for the North Clinic if you plan to attenc this meeting.
CCSUA/Assignors Meeting – South
Meeting information January 10, 2016. 9am to 2pm. Cerritos College 11110 Alondra Blvd, Norwalk. Dress is business casual. Conference meetings will be held after the main meeting Directions/parking Enter Cerritos College from Studebaker Street on either Falcon Way or New Falcon Way. The meeting will be in the Health Science (HS) building, room 102, which is on the north end
Notes from the Training Staff – November 2015
Welcome to our website!! Thanks for using this resource to improve your umpiring skills. We just posted the November test so make sure you take it. The Assignors have asked us to put together a CCSUA Qualification test to be taken by our members who do not sign up for the NCAA Softball Umpire Program (SUP) in 2016. The Assignor
Notes from the Training Staff – October 2015
With Fall Ball season well under way most of us are working games and staying in shape. But don’t forget your uniform and equipment need to stay in shape as well. Now is the time to do your Annual Uniform Checkup. You can get good prices on softball uniforms and equipment now from most vendors, which are not available if
Notes from the Training Staff – September 2015
With September and Fall, come the Fall Ball Games. And Remember for September…Fall Ball games are called the Nonchampionship Segment in the Rule Book. Several administrative playing rules can be set aside or modified. All other conduct rules may not be altered. Certain rule exceptions may be used and must be agreed upon and communicated to the umpire crew
Notes from the Training Staff – August 2015
For those of you who have read the August Newsletter… Thanks for using the resources available to you to keep up with what is going on in the college softball world. The following will be “old news” so you can stop reading now and go back to reading the rule book. For all others, click on the heading above to
Notes from the Training Staff – July 2015
Many of our CCSUA umpires are attending Camps this summer and working high-level travel ball tournaments. What are you doing to keep up with the fast-moving game of college softball? Working a few rec league games every few weeks will not do it. Whether you are working a lot of “summer ball” or not, you should be reviewing the CCA
Notes from the Training Staff – June 2015
We hope that all of you are having a fun yet instructive summer. Many of you continue to umpire softball games at high levels – travel ball, big tournaments, even “friendlies” with highly-skilled teams and athletes. And a trend is developing in these areas which may seem familliar to your college experience – somebody (a UIC, a fellow-umpire, etc) may
Announcement of new Chairperson for CCSUA
We are proud to announce that Jim Sanderson has accepted the position as the Chairperson for the California Collegiate Softball Umpires Association. He has proven himself as a leader in multiple umpire associations in the past. His professional and dedication to the umpire vocation will be a great attribute to our organization. We are looking forward to his leadership.
Notes from the Training Staff May 2015
The news of our Chairman’s untimely death has been widely distributed. Words cannot express how much the CCSUA will miss Greg Schmidt. Please honor Greg in your own way, and remember him as a person who strived to make everybody a better umpire. As our 2015 college softball season fades away, now is the time to give yourself a serious
Notes from the Training Staff April 2015
As we get closer to the end of the season, and with the playoffs nearing for all levels, it is time for all umpires to sharpen their skills. The competition will be more intense and we must rise to the occasion. Review the rule book and/or the CCA Manual every day Check out the article on our Main page at
Notes from the Training Staff March 2015
The season is progessing and we have had a lot of positive feedback, both from coaches and observers. Keep up the good work! However, there have been a few issues, both with mechanics and rule knowledge, which have caused some problems during games. Our training staff has always been dedicated to the philosophy that we are all in this together, we
Assignors Announcement – Important
ALL UMPIRES: Check your information in Arbiter and update any items which need updating. Update your Arbiter calendar dates – make sure you block every date for which you are not available for each Arbiter group. As soon as you accept an assignment in one group, block those dates in all other groups. We have not received all the schedules yet but are
CCSUA Announces Associate Status
The CCSUA has announced the availability of registering as a CCSUA Associate. This Associate status will allow umpires who are not in the CCSUA to have access to the CCSUA Locker Room (Central Hub) for the cost of $40. The Locker Room is a great source of umpire training. It features announcements, monthly newsletters, monthly tests, rule interpretations and clarifications, action
Assignors’ Announcement for 2015 Season
The Assignors have announced the dates for the annual College Softball Umpires Association meetings. They recommend that you register now, get it done, and then it will not conflict with budgets you have set aside for holiday parties and gifts. The Registration Form is on this Locker Room in the left panel under the CCSUA Forms heading. Attire is polo shirt and “docker”-type pants,
CCU North and CCSUA Announce Merger
The CCU-North President Dimas Resendez and CCSUA Chaiman Greg Schmidt have announced the merger of these two organizations. Click on the links below to see the two announcement letters. CCU-North announcment letter CCSUA announcement letter