Hi SSBL Milwaukee Players,

As we celebrate the 50th season of SSBL Milwaukee, we're not only looking back at the incredible history of our league, but also making sure we're building for the next 50 years. One important part of that is continuing to grow our team of umpires.

Whether you've played softball for years, are relatively new to the game, or simply want to finally understand exactly when the infield fly rule applies, I invite you to join us for one of our upcoming SSBL Milwaukee Umpire Training sessions.

You don't have to commit to becoming an umpire to attend.If you simply want a better understanding of softball rules and how they're applied on the field, you're welcome to join us.

Why Give Umpiring a Try?

• Stay involved in the game while seeing softball from a completely different perspective.
• Earn some extra money while spending time around the sport you already enjoy.
• Learn the rules and gain a much better understanding of why certain calls are made.
• Build confidence on the field and help create a positive experience for our players.
• Keep playing on your SSBL Milwaukee team. We'll schedule your umpiring assignments around your team's games.
• Help support the league. Developing our own umpires is an important part of keeping SSBL Milwaukee strong and sustainable.

Upcoming Training Sessions

We will be offering several training opportunities over the next few months. Our first sessions will give interested participants an opportunity to learn the basics and, if you're comfortable and ready, potentially get some experience umpiring during Fall Ball this September and October.

Training will cover topics such as:

• Basic USA Softball rules
• Positioning and mechanics
• Balls, strikes, safe and out calls
• Fair and foul balls
• Common situations and rule interpretations
• Game management and working with players and managers
• What to expect during an actual SSBL Milwaukee game

The sessions will be led by Kurt Baldwin, an experienced SSBL Milwaukee umpire who also works games in the Madison and Chicago LGBTQ+ leagues and at tournaments, including the Gay Softball World Series. I'll also be joining Kurt for portions of the training as we help prepare our next group of SSBL Milwaukee umpires.

There Is No Cost to Attend

The training sessions are completely free, and we'll provide the materials you need.

If you decide afterward that you'd like to become a certified umpire and begin working games, there may be costs associated with USA Softball certification and umpire uniforms. There is no obligation to continue after attending the training.

Ready to give it a try — or just learn more about the rules?

[Register for an Umpire Training Session Today!]

If you have questions before signing up, contact Kurt at commissioner@ssblmilwaukee.com.

I hope you'll consider joining us. Umpiring is a great way to learn more about the game, stay involved with SSBL Milwaukee, and help ensure we have knowledgeable officials on the field for years to come.

See you on the field!

Mike Westley
UIC – Umpire in Charge
SSBL Milwaukee