Welcome to the COSUA Website
Why Umpire
For those serious about umpiring, USA Softball umpire training is the best available in any sports organization today. National, regional, and local mechanic schools and rules clinics are scheduled each spring and in many cases in the fall for new umpires beginning at that time of year. Training is similar at each level, as described in the USA Softball Umpire Manual. Whether plate mechanics, base positioning, signals, working with players and coaches, or just tips in umpiring, the Manual is the most complete training guide available. To assist the local training official, USA Softball provides training aides through a Clinic Guide, instructional videos and presentations, school mechanics drill cards, an umpire examination, meeting quizzes, and a "Case Book."
Insurance for USA Softball umpires is by far the best for any sport or organization and includes a $5,000,000 liability policy and accidental injury policy with maximum benefit of $100,000 for any accidental injury arising out of the amateur softball activities (including clinics and schools), and games, leagues, and tournaments involving USA Softball registered teams and when working Scholastic, (Middle school, High School, NFHS) and Collegiate (NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA, etc...) softball events. The medical expense coverage is provided on an excess basis. It also includes an accidental death and dismemberment policy, as well as a dental coverage that will pay the actual expense incurred for treatments to sound and natural teeth, with a $500 limit for each individual tooth.
An umpire uniform and leisure wear program is available so that each registered umpire can purchase and wear the official USA Softball uniform with pride. Whether it's the shirt, cap, pants, shoes or ball bag or any of the variety of protective equipment, or optional wear such as sun glasses, the USA Softball umpire program has it.
USA Softball registered umpires are selected to officiate in metro, state, regional and national championships, and as members of the National Governing Body for Softball in the US, are the only organization in the US which softball umpires can apply for World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) certification and the opportunity to umpire in World Championships, Regional Games (Pan Am Games) or the Olympic Games. World Cup events held in Plant City Florida also are open to USA Softball umpires who have completed a "Qualifier" Seminar.
USA Softball umpires are rewarded for their years of service and expertise through the Medals Program, the National Indicator Fraternity, WBSC Certification, and possibly the National Softball Hall of Fame. No other organization has this various assortment of awards programs for their umpires.
Yes, it pays to be a USA Softball umpire! From expert training through being rewarded for individual umpire achievements, USA Softball offers the most to help umpires achieve their goals - to be the best they can be, and to reach the highest level their skills will take them.
District #22 Contacts
| Wendell Caulley |
| Ohio USA Softball District#22 Commissioner |
| 614-580-3357 |
| wcaulley@columbus.rr.com | ---------------------------------- |
| Linda Cairney |
| Ohio USA Softball District#22 UIC |
| 614-325-1263 |
| lindaump1@aol.com | ---------------------------------- |
| Mike Burwell |
| Fast Pitch Tournament Assignor |
| 614-374-8735 |
| wmtc2001@yahoo.com | ---------------------------------- |
News
January 1st, 2026
For consideration to be a National Tournament umpire you are required to have all the criteria completed before Wendell can submit your name (SafeSport, Background Check, USA Sanction dues paid, and
Concussion Certificate). In addition you MUST have attended a National Umpire School within the last five years.
| 2026 Instructions for Umpire Registration | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Go to this website ohsoftball.com |
| 2 | The website has a HELP button (located on top ribbon) with video on how to register. |
| 3 | Each umpire must first create an account. Select Register button (located on top ribbon) |
| → This is a one-time procedure to create your dashboard going forward. | |
| → Follow the prompts for sign-up process and create a password. | |
| → The website will send email to your email address for verification. | |
| → Click on the link in the email to complete the registration. | |
| → Remember your password for future years. | |
| 4 | After completing registration, log back in and click on Dashboard |
| 5 | Select the My Family tab |
| 6 | Select the Officials tab to pay for sanction fees. |
| 7 | Select Compliance to access Background and SafeSports links. |
| → Click on Background and follow the process | |
| → Click on SafeSports and follow the process | |
| → You will need your password from previous year or create a new one | |
| → Attach your SafeSports certificate after completing the course | |
| → Click on Concussion and attach your certificate. | |
| 8 | Once all is entered, Compliance will show check marks for each category and will update to green color when completed. Background will take a few days to show completed. |
| 9 | Once background has cleared, print your umpire sanction card once all is completed under Umpire tab. |
USA Softball Announcements
