Become an umpire

Rochester Youth Fastpitch Softball Association is always looking for dedicated community members to umpire all levels of youth softball. 

Becoming a youth softball umpire offers numerous benefits, including leadership development, enhanced decision-making skills, and the opportunity to stay active while being involved in the game. It’s a great way to build confidence, learn how to handle pressure, and improve communication skills, all of which are valuable in any career path. Umpiring also provides a sense of community, allowing you to give back to the sport while earning extra income. Plus, it fosters a love for the game and keeps you engaged in a positive and rewarding environment.

Take the next step

If you are interested in learning more about becoming an umpire, email Kelly Raymond at k.raymond@komets.k12.mn.us.

More resources

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    Braxton Raymond Memorial RYFSA Umpire of the Year Award

    In 2021, RYFSA established the Braxton Raymond Memorial RYFSA Umpire of the Year Award to recognize one umpire yearly for their dedication and contributions to the Rochester area softball community and their involvement in helping both players and coaches.

    The award was established in Braxton’s memory. Braxton was an ASA/USA umpire for five years with RYFSA and was a 2016 graduate of Kasson-Mantorville High School. He passed away on October 9, 2019 (Age 22) due to complications from brain cancer. Braxton battled his cancer for over a year and a half and showed courage and a work ethic that was unprecedented. He never stopped believing he would get better and fought this horrific disease until the very end. He loved basketball, softball, and working with young kids.

    The winning umpire will receive the following:

    • A Braxton Raymond Memorial RYFSA Umpire of the Year Award plaque
    • $50 gift card to Scheels
    • Recognition on the RYFSA website
    • His/her name will be added to a plaque in the umpire room at the softball complex

    All will be paid for by the Raymond Family with no cost to RYFSA. As your season winds down please be on the lookout for an umpire that you feel would be worthy of this award. I will be sending out a google form containing the nominees for each of you to vote on in late July. Thank you for your time and dedication and all you do for RYFSA.

    Special thank you to The Raymond Family: Kelly Raymond (father), Cyndi Raymond (mother), Brodie Raymond (brother), and Tailor Raymond (sister).

    2024 award winner

    Congratulations to Dan Lammert for being selected as the fourth recipient and 2024 RYFSA Braxton Raymond Memorial Umpire of the Year Award.  Dan was selected from a large pool of talented umpires and was noted by coaches around the area for his patience and willingness to help both players and coaches.  Dan is both a coach for the Byron school district along with being an umpire for RYFSA.

    2023 award winner

    Congratulations to Aryn Olson for being selected as the third recipient of the RYFSA Braxton Raymond Umpire of the Year Award.  Aryn was selected by both coaches and members of the Raymond family for this prestigious award.  Aryn has been umpiring softball for over three years, and she is highly regarded by coaches, players, and fellow umpires for her dedication to the sport of softball.

    Previous award winners

    • 2022: Alex Olson
    • 2021: Morgan E.