Formed in 2006, the Southeast Wisconsin Softball Association (SEWSA) was created as an association for softball umpires. The founders of SEWSA felt that there was a significant void in the umpiring culture of southeast Wisconsin. Although other umpiring associations existed; the emphasis seemed to be on baseball despite the exponential growth in softball, especially girls fast pitch.

SEWSA's goals are simple... to promote and foster softball mechanics and rules by using the standards set by the organizations that we work for: the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS); the Amateur Softball Association (ASA); and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

We service many of the area's high schools and are the exclusive umpires for all ASA tournaments and summer leagues in southeast Wisconsin. Our members continue to make up the majority of umpires selected to work annually in the ASA National Qualifiers and WASA State Tournaments. Many of our umpires have also been selected to work at the ASA Nationals.

SEWSA has become the progressive leader in the State of Wisconsin by using the Arbiter assigning system for all contests. In addition, SEWSA continues to work to bring and keep umpire pay in line with that of other sports and to emphasize the importance and use of 3-umpire mechanics.

By hosting the Region 8 ASA National Umpire School in March 2008, SEWSA took steps toward becoming Wisconsin's undisputed leader in softball umpire training and is working to form the first National New Umpire School. Currently in the development stages, the New Umpire School will incorporate National Umpire School standards with an increased focus on the needs of 1st, 2nd and 3rd year umpires. SEWSA is also working to create a State Clinic, beginning in March 2009 and running every other year.

With all of these changes and improvements, SEWSA continues to move softball umpiring in Wisconsin to the top of the ladder.

If you would like more information on the "Softball Umpiring Revolution", please contact SEWSA President Kurtis Kaempfer.