FARMINGTON – The West Central Maine Umpires Association is now recruiting candidates who want to become certified softball umpires. This board covers high school and middle school games from the region, including Rangeley, Mt. Abram, Mt. Blue, Jay, Livermore Falls, Rumford, Mexico and Dixfield. Most games are played on weekday afternoons at 4 p.m. National Federation and A.S.A. certified officials can also officiate summer recreation men’s or women’s fast or slow pitch leagues, as well as coed leagues.

The Farmington area board conducts 7 meetings for prospective and veteran umpires to attend. Trained instructors review important rules, and experienced clinicians cover situations that occur in the game. There are several informative power point presentations as well as ample opportunity to ask questions and learn the rules of the game.

The first of the sessions (Sunday-Tuesday) is scheduled for Sunday, March 6 in Room 15 of Ricker Hall at the University of Maine at Farmington. Following the 6 classroom sessions over a 3-week period, there will be a live ball practice session inside the gym.

The local board currently has 20 umpires, male and female.

More information on the West Central Maine Association is available by calling Mike Simoneau at 897-5249.