Step Up to the Plate – Become Softball Australia’s National Umpire in Chief – Operations (Volunteer)

📍 Location: Remote
🕒 Term: Three Years
📋 Reports to: National Umpiring Committee (NUC) & Softball Australia National High-Performance Director
🤝 Works with: NUC Executive, State Directors of Umpiring, Softball Australia (SA) Staff

Are you a respected leader in the umpiring community with a passion for softball and a desire to drive national standards? This is your opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the sport.

Softball Australia is seeking a National Umpire in Chief – Operations to join our dedicated team of volunteer leaders. You will play a key role in overseeing the delivery of umpiring services at national and international events and driving operational excellence across the umpiring program.

About Softball Australia

Softball Australia is the recognised National Sporting Organisation (NSO) for softball, representing over 23,000 members and more than 100,000 players nationwide – from grassroots to elite.

Our 2023–2028 Strategic Plan focuses on four priorities: People, Play, Promote and Perform. We’re committed to growing the game through inclusion, community connection, and high performance – all while embracing our values: Unified, Respectful, Creative & Brave, and Fun.

About the Role

As the NUIC – Operations, you’ll be responsible for:

• Coordinating umpire appointments for national and international championships and events
• Liaising with State Directors of Umpiring and SA staff on event planning and logistics
• Assisting with the management of the national umpire accreditation database
• Leading policy development and review (e.g. Umpire Code of Conduct)
• Providing regular reports to the SA Board and Annual Report contributions
• Overseeing the supply of approved umpiring uniforms
• Managing recognition programs such as the Australian Umpire Cap
• Supervising and supporting volunteers within the Operations portfolio

You’ll work collaboratively with your fellow NUICs (Technical and Development) as part of the NUC Executive, contributing to the growth and continuous improvement of softball umpiring in Australia.

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• Strong knowledge of sport officiating, with a focus on softball umpiring
• Experience working with and leading volunteers
• High-level communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organisational ability and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities
• Working with Children/Vulnerable People clearance and integrity checks

Desirable:

• Understanding of the National Umpire Program
• Softball Australia Umpire Accreditation (Level 6 or above – current or retired)
• High level of computer literacy
• Previous experience managing volunteers

Personal Attributes:

• Approachable and collaborative
• Motivated and self-disciplined
• Innovative and solutions-focused
• Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Committed to SA’s values and fostering a positive sporting environment
• Willing and able to travel and work outside standard hours, as required

Why Volunteer with Us?

Volunteering in this national leadership role offers the chance to:

• Influence the future direction of softball umpiring in Australia
• Make a difference to the softball community at all levels
• Work alongside a passionate and experienced team of volunteers and professionals
• Contribute to a sport that brings people together and builds lifelong skills

How to Apply

If you're ready to lead with integrity and help shape the future of softball officiating, we encourage you to apply.

Full role responsibilities and description can be found HERE

Please submit your expression of interest and resume to hppathways@softball.org.au by Wednesday 23 April 2025.