This reward program is the highest honor an USA Softball umpire can obtain other than selection to the USA Softball Hall of Fame. The program was launched in 2003, with 153 umpires approved in February of that year. There are currently 360 qualified umpires that have been selected for the “Elite” program. Members who are approved as “Elite” umpires can apply for their international certification (ISF), and are the only umpires selected for the National Championship Series (SP) and the Armed Forces Slow Pitch Championships. In future years, it is anticipated that “Elite” umpires will be selected for major Fast and Modified Pitch Championships. To become eligible for this program, an umpire must have been an USA Softball registered umpire for at least seven (7) years and a current member in good standing. The umpire must have participated in at least four (4) national championships, and umpired in two (2) in the same category of play and from the championships listed below:
FAST PITCH: Men’s Major, Women’s Major, Men’s Master 40-Over, Girls 18U USA / USA Gold, Men’s “A” or Women’s “A”.
SLOW PITCH: Men’s Super, Men’s Major, Men’s A, Men’s B, Men’s Industrial ( previously Major or A ), Men’s 16” Major, Men’s Masters 35-Over, Men’s 40-Over, Women’s Open ( previously Major or A ) CO-ED Major.
MODIFIED PITCH: Men’s 9 Man Major, Men’s A or Women’s 9-Player, or Men’s 10-Player. The USA Softball “Elite” umpire application fee is $40.00 and is non-refundable. The umpire will receive a lapel pin, a navy USA Softball “Elite” cap, membership card, framed certificate, and name listed in the USA Softball Hall of Fame. Three passport size photos should be attached to the application. Deadline each year is October 1. Applications will be reviewed at the November Council Meeting and applicants will be notified shortly thereafter.
https://usasoftballsouthms.com/umpire/2012EliteApplication.pdf