Tri-County Softball Umpires Assoc. Holds Regional Clinic

Tri-County Softball Umpires Association, a member of the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO), hosted a 2022 Regional Umpires’ Clinic in Hallettsville on Jan. 22. A good number of TASO officials attended from different parts of Texas. There were members from Fort Bend, Sabine-Neches, Victoria, Bryan-College Station, El Paso, and the host, Tri-County.

All attending enjoyed the clinic and picked up a few tips for the upcoming season. TASO was formed in the 1930’s under the name of Southwest Officials Association and in 1997 changed their name to the Texas Association of Sports Officials.

Today’s membership totals more than 16,000 members, making it one of largest sports officiating organizations in the world. TASO softball officials are required to attend continuing education classes annually such as the one conducted in Hallettsville. Rest assured if your league or organization are using TASO certified officials, you are getting the best in Texas. It’s not too late to join, so if anyone is interested in becoming a TASO certified official please get in contact with one of our local officers. This is a great way to give back to a community that served you during your youth playing days.

The Tri-County Softball Umpires Association appreciates Hallettsville ISD for the use of their facilities, Pepsi for providing drinks, Coach Tommy Psencik for being guest speaker, and TASO Clinician Anne Foster for delivering the valuable rules clinic.

Four local umpires received TASO Service Awards at the beginning of the clinic. Connie Koopmann received a five-year certificate, Robert Klekar received a 10-year TASO Flipping Coin, Boston Gates received a 20-year TASO Flipping Coin, and Terry Patek also received a 20-year TASO Flipping Coin.

All umpires are appreciated for providing this valuable service to local communities. Three new umpires were welcomed to Tri-County: Paul Darilek, Michael Grahmann, and John Pelech.