National Championships Umpiring Information

Each year National Championships are held around Australia in the following categories:

• Under 16 Boys/Girls
• Under 18 Men/Women
• Under 23 Men/Women
• Open Men/Women
• Over 35 Men/Women
• Additional National Events include U14’s Regional and International Friendship Series.

Each year, umpires  can nominate their availability for consideration for national appointment by completing the application form as outlined below.

This process is to be completed if you wish to attend in the following roles:

• Nationally accredited umpire (currently level 5 or higher)
• State accredited umpire (currently level 2 or higher)
• Candidate umpire (currently a level 4 or 5)

The purpose of the National Championships includes, but is not limited to:

• providing opportunities for participation in elite competition
• contributing to player, coach, umpire and statistician identification and development pathways
• providing interstate competition at both age-grade and open-grade
• providing selection opportunities for higher honours and selection in national teams
• encouraging participation, to enhance the growth of the game
• providing opportunities for financial gain and increasing the profile of softball in Australia

2026 Summer of Softball events

Softball Australia is calling for umpire applications for the upcoming 2026 Summer of Softball events being held in December 2025 and January-February-March 2026.

* Level 2 and 3 umpires are encouraged to apply for U14 Regional Championships.

** Level 4 Umpires are encouraged to apply for U16 National Championships. Appointment are subject to application numbers.

*** EOIs for the O35 National Championships will open at a later date - Date to be advised.

Event dates:
Event dates are correct at the time of applications opening. Softball Australia reserves the right to adjust dates.

Event nominations:

1. Umpires are requested to advise availability:
   1. The number of weeks in December
   2. The number of weeks in January-February
   3. The total number of weeks for both December and January-February if applicable.
2. Umpires will NOT be required to nominate the Championship they prefer, and appointments will be made based on the umpire’s level, experience and the requirements for the Championship(s).
   1. We understand some umpires may not be available for a particular week in January and we ask you provide this information, with explanation in the comment section of the application.

Application:

Applicants are asked to complete the online EOI application form via their RecSport login by 5pm Sunday 17th August 2025.

Required Documentation for Submission

To be eligible for national appointment consideration, please ensure the following items are completed and submitted as outlined:

·         Working with Children Check (WWCC/WWVP/Blue Card):
Update your RevSport profile with your current clearance. Instructions are available on the Softball Australia website.

·         2025 Australian Rules Assessment Result:
Applicants must include their result from the 2025 Rules Assessment. Results were sent by email from do-not-reply@classmarker.com. Initial appointments will be made from those who have completed this assessment, unless a dispensation has been granted.

·         Umpire Activity Diary:

Submit a completed Activity Diary using the approved template, covering activities from 1 May 2024 to 31 July 2025. This includes games officiated, development activities attended or delivered, and relevant administrative tasks. The template is available on the Softball Australia website (http://softball.org.au/umpiring-resources/).

·         Development Plan (Level 5 and 6 Candidates only):

A comprehensive development plan must be submitted using the official template. The Development NUIC may request further detail prior to appointment (https://www.softball.org.au/umpiring-resources/).

·         Code of Conduct Acknowledgement:
All applicants must confirm they have read and will adhere to the Softball Australia Official Code of Conduct (https://cdn.revolutionise.com.au/.pdf)

·         Medical and Travel Information:
These details must be provided at the time of accepting any appointment.

Please note: Profile photos and Play by the Rules certificates are not required as part of this application. However, PBTR certificates must be presented to your state body during accreditation renewal.

If you have already registered for the 2025/26 membership season with your club/association, we would prefer you to login to complete the EOI. Otherwise, you can complete as a guest on this occasion. 

Incomplete or non-compliant applications will be notified via email and given 24 hours to resolve outstanding issues. The NUC Executive reserves the right to dismiss any application that remains non-compliant.

Should you have any questions about the EOI process, please direct your initial enquiries to your State Director of Umpiring (SDU). Further questions may be referred to the NUC Executive if required.

We thank you for your continued contribution to our umpiring community and look forward to seeing you on the diamond this summer.

Umpire Activity Log

An electronic Umpire Activity Log has been developed and is available for immediate use. When applying for National appointments, submission of Umpire Activity Logs will only be accepted using this tool. Any umpire who has been using their own Excel spreadsheet can, with a little knowledge and care, copy and paste the relevant columns.

• Umpire Activity Log

Application form - umpiring overseas

• Application Form for a Permit to Officiate Overseas (form 1-4a)

National Championship Umpire Guide

A booklet has been created to provide umpires with information on what to expect when attending an Australian National Championship

• Attending a National Championship

Australian Softball Umpire Development Program

To assist aspiring National umpires on their quest for International certification, the Australian Development Program has been devised. Criteria and application form below.

• Development Squad information and criteria
• Development Squad application form

Liaison Officers booklet

A booklet created to assist Liaison Officers appointed to Australian National Championships

• Liaison Officers booklet