Accreditation & Reaccreditation

This page outlines the different levels of accreditation we have as part of the National Umpiring Program. It also outlines the process of reaccreditation.

 If you have any questions about accreditation, please contact director.umpiring@softballnsw.org.au

There are 8 levels in the Australian umpiring accreditation system:



Level 1: LOCAL ASSOCIATION

This level is awarded when an umpire completes the following:

More info on Level 1



Levels 2-4: STATE

Involves attending the relevant Softball NSW Umpiring clinic, passing a rules assessment and a practical assessment at State Championships

Practical Assessments are conducted at:

  • Level 2 is assessed at Blacktown Junior International Challenge or U14 State Championships

  • Level 3 is assessed at Under 18 or Over 35's State Championships
  • Level 4 is assessed at Open Women's State Championships

If successful you will need to complete the following:

  • Complete the online Softball NSW accreditation form once you have passed your practical assessment. NOTE: This includes Play by the Rules, WWCC, Code of Conduct and other other applicable requirements
  • Pay the $16 accreditation fee - accreditations are valid for 4 years

More info on Level 2

More info on Level 3/4



Levels 5-6: NATIONAL

Involves passing a rules assessment and a practical assessment at National Championships.

  • Level 5 is assessed at U16 Male/Female or U18 Female National Championships

  • Level 6 is assessed at U18 Male or Open Women's National Championships 

More info on Level 5/6



Levels 7-8: INTERNATIONAL

Awarded by the Softball Australia National Umpiring Program (Softball Australia NUP).

  • Level 7 is awarded as a result of several on and off diamond criteria, including currency of rules assessment, WBSC Certification and officiating at a minimum of one junior or open world championship 

  • Level 8 is awarded as a result of several on and off diamond criteria, including currency of rules assessment, WBSC Certification and officiating at a minimum of two world championships, one of which must be an open world championship

 



REACCREDITATION

Softball umpiring reaccreditation in Australia is a vital process to ensure the high standards and competency among umpires in the sport. The reaccreditation process, valid for four years, aims to keep umpires up-to-date with the latest rules, techniques, and best practices.

Umpires seeking reaccreditation must adhere to a comprehensive process that involves attending mandatory training courses, passing written exams, and demonstrating practical on-field abilities. Additionally, they may be required to officiate a minimum number of games to showcase their proficiency. By following this process, Australia's softball community guarantees that its umpires remain knowledgeable and capable of providing fair and consistent officiating, fostering a positive and competitive environment for players, coaches, and spectators alike.

Umpiring accreditations are stored in the Softball Australia online member database and can be viewed by the individual umpire, member states and Softball Australia. When a Softball Umpires accreditation is due for renewal, each umpire will be emailed directly. In NSW the following processes must be followed in order to maintain 

Level 1-8 Re-Accreditation

Once you have completed the online process, this will be sent to the SNSW Director of Umpiring for approval, once approved then forwarded to Softball Australia for processing and updating your online member profile.

If an umpire is unable to complete any of these requirements, they can discuss this with the SNSW Director of Umpiring.  

FAQs on Accreditation / Reaccreditation

If you have been successful in obtaining your Level 1 Umpiring Accreditation, you will need to complete the accreditation form once you have been signed off, pay the fee for your accreditation to be processed. 

Use this form to submit all of the relevant forms. 

Level 1-8 Re-Accreditation

Yes, you will need to pay the accrediation fee at the time of submitting the form.

This is a mandatory fee that has been put in place across all of the technical streams. It covers your administration and accreditation for a 4 year period as part of the National Program.

You can access this via the accreditation page here https://nsw.softball.org.au/get-involved/accreditation-umpires/ OR the direct think to the Reaccreditation form can be found here https://form.jotform.com/231780791413861

This will be valid for 4 years. Noting, you need to ensure that ongoing you are also compliant with the Softball Australia Umpiring Code and the requirements contained in that document. 

If you no longer wish to umpire or maintain your accreditation, please contact the Director of Umpiring - director.umpiring@softballnsw.org.au so that we can ensure you no longer receive any communications.