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This year’s European Softball Championships was marked not only by Great Britain Softball’s success at the competition but also by the retirement of one of Britain’s most experienced umpires, Bridget Cameron. For the past decade, she was one of a handful of internationally certified umpires deployed on behalf of Great Britain to European and International softball competitions, and her umpiring experience dates back more than thirty years. Bridget is stepping back from umpiring duties due to medical reasons.
Bridget officiated at numerous high-level tournaments, earning the respect of players, coaches, and fellow umpires along the way. Her journey took her to several continents, with the pinnacle of her career being her role at the 2018 World Open Women's Cup in Chiba, Japan. In addition, she umpired at two junior World Cups; the 2017 WBSC Under 19 Junior Women’s Cup in Clearwater, Florida, and the 2015 WBSC Under 16 Junior World Championship in Oklahoma City, USA
Her contribution to softball extends far beyond her on-field work. She has been a passionate advocate for the development of umpires within Great Britain, championing both fastpitch and slowpitch softball. She said, “My best memory was travelling with GB Softball in Chiba, Japan at pre-tournament preparations. We had an opportunity to give back to the community, visiting local schools.”
Reflecting on her time in the game, Bridget shared, "Being a part of the British softball community has been an incredible journey. I’m truly thankful to the British softball community for affording me the wonderful opportunities I’ve had to work with so many wonderful people along the way."
As she steps away from the game, the entire British Softball community wishes Bridget all the best for the future. Thank you, Bridget, for your dedication and for the countless ways you've shaped British softball.
About the future, Bridget said, “I am hopeful that I can transition to becoming a WBSC Europe Umpire-in-Chief in order to develop and mentor future umpiring generations across the UK and Europe.”
If Bridget’s story has sparked an interest in umpiring or officiating locally, nationally or internationally, please get in touch with BASU here. No experience is needed to begin your journey.