Three talented umpires from NSW—Jessica Morley, Joel Grimes, and Claire Austring—have successfully earned their WBSC accreditation in New Zealand, marking a significant milestone in their umpiring careers. Their achievement is a testament to their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence in officiating.

The accreditation process in Auckland was rigorous, requiring extensive preparation, theoretical knowledge, and on-field performance. Each umpire had their own unique journey to success, demonstrating resilience and passion for the sport.

Joel Grimes: Embracing the International Stage

Reflecting on his journey, Joel shared:

“I look forward to continuing my personal and softball journey, allowing me to remain involved in a sport that has provided invaluable experiences and friendships. I’m excited to apply my umpiring skills on the world stage with top players and officials while sharing knowledge and experiences with fellow umpires to promote development and serve the game.”

Jessica Morley: Commitment to Growth

Jess emphasized the importance of persistence and belief in oneself:

“To keep working hard, do the small things all the time because doing the small things lead to the end result. Follow your own journey—if you believe in yourself, you can make any goal achievable.”

Claire Austring: Overcoming Adversity

Claire’s journey to WBSC accreditation was particularly inspiring. After suffering a broken leg in November, she underwent an intense rehabilitation program to get back on the field. She shared:

“The biggest personal hurdle to overcome was the fear that I wouldn’t be able to run. Mentally trying to work through that inability when some of the rehab testing wasn’t successful in the month leading up to the trip was very difficult. The timing of getting physically able to perform the required mechanics and on-diamond movements was a slim window, on top of managing the mental load of wanting to achieve such a milestone in my umpiring career. But I made it with the support of my family, closest friends, excellent physiotherapist, and a surgeon who provided a platform on which to build the recovery necessary to be successful.”

Krissi Travers, Director of Umpiring NSW, on Their Success

NSW Director of Umpiring, Krissi Travers, praised the trio’s dedication and the strength of the NSW umpiring program:

“It’s amazing to see three more NSW umpires achieve WBSC accreditation and join the ranks of international officials. Having seen Jessica, Joel, and Claire come through our program, I know firsthand the dedication, resilience, and hard work they have put in to get to this point. This is not just a personal achievement for them but a significant moment for umpiring in NSW and Australia.”

“All three have been active in our development pathways, continuously refining their craft and contributing to the growth of umpiring in our state. Their success is a testament to the strength of our umpiring community and the support structures we have in place. I have no doubt they will represent NSW and Australia with pride, and I look forward to seeing them thrive on the international stage.”

This achievement highlights the strength of the NSW umpiring program and the dedication of its officials. With Jessica, Joel, and Claire now joining the WBSC ranks, the future of softball umpiring in NSW looks brighter than ever.