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EOUA MENTORSHIP PROGRAM (Revised April 2018)
Committee
Don Kennedy (Chairperson)
Don Farr
Dick Coleman
Greg Perrin
Andrew Fleck
Please contact any member of the committee if you have questions.
email: eoua.mentor@gmail.com
MISSION STATEMENT:
Bolster the Softball Officials Program and enhance the game of softball, by providing direct support and personal guidance to all EOUA umpires.
MENTORSHIP PROGRAM OVERVIEW
PURPOSE:
The Softball Officials Program is consistently losing umpires in increasing numbers each year. Structured surveys have not been conducted in this country; however it is clear that people become disenchanted with the treatment they receive and their position in the game during their first year(s) on the diamond. Officials are provided with basic rule interpretation training and mechanic work at entry-level clinics, however there is no protocol in place to follow up on clinical training at the present. This training gap exists until the umpire progresses into tournaments which may take a few years. Until then, officials are not exposed to the evaluation process and feedback from more experienced umpires. A problem exists, as officials are dropping out before they can make it to tournaments.
Newer officials are thrust into game situations, and often are receiving negative feedback from coaches, players, and spectators which impacts their confidence and their interest in officiating. These situations are one of many factors why umpires are losing interest, get uncomfortable and withdraw from officiating.
The credibility of any training program requires that inexperienced officials be shown the correct way of performing their duties, and be given the opportunity to perform these duties and get feedback from more experienced officials. Feedback at an early stage is critical, and should be routinely accessible. Programs developed in this fashion will not only provide a solid foundation for young and old umpires to feel confident about their general skill level and build upon them therefore increasing their proficiency. There are also situations where skill development is not necessarily the main issue, and all the umpire needs is encouragement and support from its peers to stay involved in the game.
PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
- promote consistency, potential advancement, and improve support for all EOUA officials.
- improve the overall performance of all EOUA officials through the use of mentorship and the evaluation process. (formal or informal).
- open the door for all of our umpires to receive education through Softball Ontario (SO) and Softball Canada (SC) clinics.
- work with the recruitment and retention committee and find ways to improve umpire retention.
- promote association camaraderie and a sense of community.
- encourage all EOUA umpires to register, card (write exam), and receive a formal evaluation with Softball Ontario.
PROTEGE AND MENTOR PARTICIPATION CRITERIA:
- must be registered with SO and card.
- must be a member in good standing (not under suspension or on probation, all fines and fees/dues paid).
- must umpire exclusively with the EOUA or other Associations approved by the EOUA Board of Directors, such as local minor softball associations.
- strongly encouraged to participate in charity and volunteer events.
- must agree to receive a formal Softball Ontario evaluation.
DOCUMENTS
Mentorship Questionnaire (2018)
Reimbursement Form (2018)
