BASU Officers and members worked hard over the pandemic to create an online version of the two-day BASU Slowpitch Qualification Course, and this has been rolled out since 2022 in place of the in-person courses that were held previously. The modules that comprise the course are viewed in a number of separate blocks, with a remote tutorial at the end of each block, and then a field day and assessment at the end of the course.
A major contribution to the video modules was made by BASU umpire Chris Lunn, who provided outstanding animation and graphics.
Courses in 2024
The following leagues have booked online umpire qualification courses for 2024 starting on the dates indicated, with further sessions every fortnight: anyone has any questions about these days, please contact BASUTrainingOfficer
London Softball League -- 22/01/24, 7.30 pm, Practical Day Sunday 7th April, Clapham South, 11am
Bristol Softball Association -- 23/01/24, 7.00 pm, Practical Day Saturday 13 April, Clifton College, BS8 3EZ, 10am
London Softball League -- 24/01/24, 7.30 pm, Practical Day, SUnday 7th April, Clapham South, 11am
Manchester Softball League -- 25/01/24, 7.00 pm, Practical Day 6 or 13 April, Parrswood Sports Centre 9:30am NB No cleats as on astroturf
Cardiff Softball League -- 29/01/24, 8.00 pm, Practical Day Saturday 6 April, Pontcanna Fields, Llandaff, 10am
Guernsey Softball Association -- 30/01/24, 7.30 pm, Practical Day TBA
Oxford and Swindon Softball Leagues -- 31/'01/24, 7.00 pm, Practical Day Sunday 28 April, Horspath Athletics and Sports Ground, Oxford, 10am
East Midlands Softball League -- 01/02/24, 7.00 pm, Practical Day Sunday 24 March, Nottingham Unity Casuals Cricket Club, NG7 2SA, 10am
Other leagues interested in courses should contact BASU Training Officer Colin Russell.
Individuals interested in taking the course should contact their league in the first instance, then contact Colin Russell if their league isn't planning to hold a course in 2024. Each course is limited to 16 candidates, but some leagues may have available spaces for individuals from outside the league.
Course content
The BASU umpire training course consists of four blocks of online video training followed by a multiple choice test. For each block you will have two weeks to watch roughly 10 videos online (in your own time); each block lasts about an hour. These videos have questions embedded in them for you to answer. Each block is followed by a Zoom tutorial of roughly an hour, to cover any questions people may have. Then we repeat for the next block.
We then have a practical day involving minimal classroom work (maybe none) and plenty of on-field training to help you with the mechanics of umpiring.
At the end of the day we like to give you the chance to umpire a practice game, with feedback to help you to improve.
We would anticipate only new umpires (who have attended fewer than two courses) to attend the practical day. Experienced umpires could choose to attend a practical day if they wish.
Successful candidates will also need an assessment at a league or tournament game to complete their BASU qualification.