NCAA Response

I sent my previous post to several folks at the NCAA as an email. In an effort to be fair, here is the response from Sharon Cessna Director of Championships.

Mr. Gilley:

Thank you for your email and for taking the time to express your concerns.

I am responding on behalf of President Emmert (and myself) as he asked that I respond to your email as the championship manager for Division I Softball.

Softball officiating along with all officiating is an important component to NCAA postseason competition and a priority for the membership. The NCAA Softball Umpire Program Staff works hard to protect the integrity of the Championship and ensure the most highly trained umpires are selected for the NCAA postseason. In addition, the staff collaborates with conference coordinators/assigners to recommend umpires they believe meet the high standards expected for NCAA postseason competition.

Umpires are not selected or assigned based on their geographic region or conference affiliation; however, knowing umpires may work specific conferences during the regular season, every effort is made to not place an umpire in a situation where that could be a factor.

The NCAA and in particular the softball umpire program staff will continue to develop programs to assist officials in their training, education and will work with the conferences to maintain a consistent application and implementation of the rules.

Thank you for your support of NCAA softball and for taking the time to share your thoughts.

Sincerely,
Sharon Cessna
Director of Championships