Today’s episode is called Off the Record with Diana. In our last episode, A Global Game, we talked with Diana Welch about her experiences umpiring the Women’s Softball World Cup in Lima, Peru in 20211. This is an extension of that conversation that is more focused on her social and cultural experiences in Peru. They aren’t directly connected with softball, but do extend an understanding of opportunities you may get to experience because of your association with the global game of softball.

We pick up at the end of the Global Game episode with the interview already in progress.

Today’s episode is called A Global Game. We’ll discuss our guest’s international umpiring experience, how she got to the level to work those games, and advice she has for umpires to improve their skills.

Today I’m joined by Diana Welch, a long-time umpire who umpired at u18 the Women’s Softball World Cup in Lima, Peru in 2021. Diana has been umpiring softball for the past 20 years and currently works IHSA, NCAA, USA, and World Baseball-Softball Confederation (or WBSC) games. She also officiates IHSA, club, and NCAA volleyball and high school baseball, basketball and football.

She spent her collegiate days studying music at a conservatory and studying abroad. She’s a dedicated mother, wife, and friend and an avid lover of dogs, food, travel, and the arts.

Today’s episode is called The Hop. Our discussion today is on recent pitching rule changes by the NCAA, USA, and USSSA softball. Specifically, we’ll focus on how rule changes and varying rules across organizations impact pitchers and pitcher training and coaching.

Today I’m joined by Lori Cook Baird and Jay Bolden, both veterans of the fastpitch softball world.

Today’s episode is called IHSA Rules Review 1. In this episode, umpires review, discuss, and answer questions 1-13 of the 50-question sample test provided by the Illinois State High School Association.

It’s that time of the year again! Softball season is in full swing with teams practicing and games being played in the warmer parts of the country. Unfortunately, that also means it’s tax time. Taxes are due April 18 this year, which leaves you a couple months to get them turned in. I thought this would be a good opportunity to talk about some tips and offer some resources that will make doing your taxes easier.

TurboTax
H&R Block
QuickBooks Self-Employed
Airtable

Umpiring Income & Expense Database

In Flow of the Game, Central Illinois Softball Assigning shares tips to help umpires improve their game management by maintaining a good pace of play.

Avoiding the Ejection is focused on techniques to help umpires avoid ejecting players and coaches during a softball game.

Rules Comparison Chart on the Central Illinois Softball Assigning website

Today’s episode is called Rapport. This is the second podcast in a series on game and personnel management. Today we’ll focus on ways that you can build a rapport with administration, coaches, players, and fans.

Behind the Mask is self-funded. Your support will help me continue to create valuable content and pay for website and podcast hosting.

In this episode, I discuss some of these things I've seen online in umpiring groups or forums, and ask some questions to help us reflect on our behavior.

The evolution and variation of rules across associations can cause pain points for umpires and coaches. In this episode, we look at NCAA rule 11.2.5 - Legal Position in the Batter's Box and how it's changed over the years, how it compares to non-NCAA associations, and difficulties of implementing changing rules.