Each year nearly 600 umpires register and nearly 400 umpires certify in Southern California. Laura Head, the SoCal UIC is responsible for developing the best umpires possible for the teams that play softball under the USA Softball of Southern California banner. Through the dedication and efforts of the state UIC and her staff, the USA Softball of Southern California umpire-training program is second to none and produces some of the finest umpires in the world. The formal training includes the National Umpire Schools, as well as USA Softball of Southern California Annual Umpire Clinics. Approved USA Softball of Southern California umpires have the opportunity to become “tournament certified” and participate in championship play. Certification is accomplished by attending one of the Annual Umpire Clinics, and attaining a passing grade on the annual USA Softball umpire exam. The umpire exam is administered online yearly January – March, with assigned due dates. Once a year, usually during April, the UIC staff meets to assign certified umpires to championship tournaments. Contracts are then emailed to those umpires selected to umpire in championship competition. USA Softball of Southern California umpires are ones of pride gained through the training program, the uniform they wear, the assignments received at the local level, state and national level, and the recognition received during their career. Each is important to the umpire program. As each game is conducted, the umpire has the responsibility to administer the game in accordance with the USA Softball guidelines. The goal of the USA Softball of Southern California Umpire Program is to provide each umpire with an opportunity to be successful in completing this responsibility and to help the umpire reach his or her personal goals. Within each District are independent local umpire associations that hold meetings, host refresher clinics, and provide umpiring services to local leagues. Local associations offer its members an opportunity to build camaraderie and to “stay sharp” on the latest techniques, rule interpretations, field mechanics, umpiring philosophies and game management year round. Ask your District UIC for information on a local association near you!