The deadline for "Umpire of the Year" nominations is: August 30

Do you know an umpire who: respects everyone who is involved with the game and demonstrates good sportsmanship?  is involved with officials program development in your area? is a positive umpiring role model? tries to become a better umpire through education and training? contributes to local umpire programs through instructing or evaluating? shares their expertise with the softball community?

If you answered YES to these questions,
then this person is a candidate for the
Softball Canada / Home Run Sports
Umpire of the Year

NOMINATION CRITERIA

Nominations should include:

• Umpire’s name, address, and phone number(s)
• Name, address, and phone number(s) of nominating individual or group
• Record of nominee’s umpiring experience
• Record of umpiring achievements
• Umpire’s role in developing and improving the officiating aspect of the sport
• Personal highlights in the current year

Click here to dowload the Umpire of the Year nomination form

(Photo credit: F. Scott Grant, www.sixsixsix.ca)

Dick Coleman has served in the umpiring community since1988, and along the way, he has unselfishly helped many young umpires improve their abilities as an Instructor/Evaluator. A long-time Umpire-in-Chief for the Orleans Amateur Softball Association (OAFA), Dick also took on the added responsibilities of Fast-Pitch Zone 10 Umpire-in-Chief in 2001 and Slo-Pitch Zone 8 Umpire-in-Chief in 2004. The Orleans fastball community hosts two or more provincial tournaments each year and Dick has been involved in almost every event, either as a working umpire or as the DUIC or UIC.

As much as Dick enjoys being on the diamond, he equally enjoys being a clinician and an evaluator.  Dick provides honest constructive feedback and in a very positive atmosphere with the intent to help umpires learn and grow. Though Dick has many strengths, he is best known for his interest in developing the young (and new) official.

Coleman is more interested in the development of other officials and Softball Ontario than his own personal gain. In his conduct, dedication and presentation, he is a great role model for new and experienced umpires alike. One of his greatest recent accomplishments is umpiring with his grandson in the local association. 

Dick has turned down invitations to Canadian Championships as he feels others deserve the opportunities, but Softball Canada is extremely proud to recognize him for his tremendous help and efforts throughout his umpiring career.

Previous Umpire of the Year Award Recipients: