After more than two decades of dedicated national service, Leigh Evans OAM has announced he will not re-stand for the role of National Umpire-in-Chief (Technical) in 2026.

Evans’ decision marks the conclusion of an extraordinary 20+ year tenure on the National Umpiring Committee (NUC), including continuous service as National Umpire-in-Chief (Technical) since 2008. His contribution across more than 35 years in softball has left a lasting imprint on the sport’s officiating landscape in Australia and internationally.

While stepping away from the NUIC (Technical) position, Evans will remain deeply involved in the game.  He will continue to support the National Umpiring Program through special projects and support, and as an active umpire, Tournament Chief Umpire and Umpire Assessor at National Championships as required. Internationally, he remains a member of the WBSC Umpires Commission and serves as WBSC Oceania Umpire Director, roles in which significant work continues to shape the future of officiating across the region.

Evans has also committed to supporting the transition, serving as a mentor, advisor and resource for the incoming Technical NUIC, the NUC, Softball Australia and the broader umpiring community.

A Career Defined by Excellence

Evans is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most respected and accomplished softball umpires. Across more than three decades, he has officiated over 2,700 games at state, national and international levels.

His international résumé includes more than 400 games, six World Championships as an on-field umpire - highlighted by two Gold Medal Games and three Finals Series appointments  - as well as three additional World Championships and World Cups in Umpire Director roles. Leigh was also appointed as the Deputy Umpire In Chief for the Olympic Qualifer in the Netherlands in 2019.

In total, he has been appointed to ten major world events, plus Oceania Qualifiers.

Domestically, Evans has contributed to more than 65 National Championships, amassing over 1,100 national-level games as an umpire, assessor and Tournament Chief Umpire. His involvement at state and association level exceeds 1,200 games across Victorian and local competitions.

Leadership and Technical Legacy

Since joining the National Umpiring Committee in 2004, Evans has played a pivotal role in modernising and strengthening Australia’s umpiring program.

Among his many contributions, he led the transition of the national rules examination to an online platform, authored and edited the Umpire Rule Book for more than 15 years, and developed numerous case books and technical bulletins that continue to guide officials nationwide. A Senior National Assessor since 2002, he has been instrumental in the identification, development and progression of elite Australian umpires.

At the international level, Evans achieved ISF/WBSC accreditation in 2004 (International Umpire #123). In addition to his six World Championship on-field appointments, he has served as Umpire Director at three WBSC World Cups and Assistant Umpire Director at an Olympic Qualifier and multiple global events. In 2023, he was appointed to the WBSC Umpires Commission and as WBSC Oceania Regional Umpire Director.

Recognition of Service

Evans’ service to softball has been widely recognised.

In 2024, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the Australia Day Honours for service to softball through umpiring. He is a Softball Australia Hall of Fame inductee (2015) for his international on-field achievements and was formally presented with Softball Australia Life Membership in 2024, becoming the 23rd overall recipient and just the seventh umpire to receive the honour. He is one of only 10 individuals to hold both Hall of Fame and Life Membership status.

He is also a Life Member of Softball Victoria (2009) and the Sunshine Softball Association (2002), and a multiple recipient of prestigious umpiring awards including the Vivienne Triplett Umpire of the Year and the Margo Koskelainen Victorian Umpire of the Year.

Continuing the Journey

Beyond softball, Evans built an accomplished professional career, including more than 20 years with Toyota Australia as a Service Manager, earning Toyota Australia Service Manager of the Year and induction into the Toyota International Champions Society in Japan. He later served 12 years as Quality Assurance Manager for Kubota Australia and New Zealand. His technical precision and commitment to excellence have defined both his professional and umpiring careers.

As he prepares to conclude his tenure as National Umpire-in-Chief (Technical), Evans does so with a legacy of integrity, leadership and technical excellence that has shaped generations of officials.

While one chapter closes in 2026, Leigh Evans OAM’s contribution to softball - nationally and globally - continues.

On behalf of Softball Australia and the broader softball community, thank you Leigh for your dedication and service to the game we all love.