The purpose of the USA Softball WBSC Umpire Committee is to identify eligible USA Softball Umpires and assist them in their goal of attaining WBSC licensing. This may include, but is not limited to, putting them in contact with others who are trying and those who have successfully passed the seminar, assisting them with the WBSC registration requirements, providing mentors who have umpired WBSC events, assisting them in passing the precertification test, and preparing for on-field and off-field training required to achieve the 90-percent or higher score to be licensed.
How to become a wbsc licensed umpire
To become eligible to apply for a WBSC certification, umpires must:
- Be registered with USA Softball and active as an umpire for at least five years
- Be in good standing with your local association
- Be a member of the USA Softball ELITE Program.
To become eligible to apply for a WBSC certification, umpires must be registered with USA Softball and must be a member of the Elite PTo become eligible to https://www.usasoftball.com/umpires/umpire-awards-certifications/
To become eligible to apply to be an ELITE umpire, the umpire must:
- Be a USA Softball registered umpire for at least seven years
- Be a current member in good standing with your local association.
- Umpired in at least four National Championships
- Umpired in two qualifying tournaments in the same category of play in which you plan to apply.
https://www.usasoftball.com/umpires/umpire-awards-certifications/
- Pass the Pre-Seminar Qualification Exam with a mark of 90%.
- Must be between the ages of 25 and 60 to apply
- Shall be currently, and for the immediate preceding five (5) years, a registered and active umpire.
- Shall be in good standing with their National Federation.
- Submit an application supported by their Federation.
- Be at the highest level of umpiring recognized by their Federation.
- Must complete all WBSC Softball Umpire License Course work successfully
- Pay the appropriate fee.
https://static.wbsc.org/assets/cms/documents/4f45fd6a-19dc-b7a6-27d1-7a4868d6c55b.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions
Start by working towards becoming a USA Softball Elite Umpire. Gain experience in high-level games, attend clinics, and achieve favorable evaluations in multiple USA Softball tournaments.
You must umpire at least two qualifying USA Softball National Championships and receive strong evaluations from the tournament UICs. Attending USA Softball clinics and training is also essential.
The timeframe varies based on tournament availability, evaluation results, and overall performance. Candidates who consistently meet requirements and perform well may be eligible within a few seasons.
No, The WBSC does not require you to be a Collegiate Umpire. However, Both the WBSC and USA Softball believe the more levels of softball you see, the greater chance you have to improve your level of umpiring.
The licensure period coincides with the update to the new Rule Book (Ex: the current Rule Book is active from 2022 – 2025. All WBSC umpires will need to recertify in 2026).
WBSC events are typically non-paid events. It is at the discretion of the tournament as to any per diem or game fee. However, it is typical that some, or all of your meals, as well as your lodging is provided.
Travel costs are covered by your home association (Ex: travel costs for umpires from the United States will be covered by USA Softball).
A form is provided in the pre tournament packet to get sizes for customized uniforms depending on the level of the tournament. Those uniforms are typically on site at the beginning of the tournament. If uniforms are not being provided, it is acceptable to wear the default uniform of your home federation.