Who are the North Central Alabama Softball Umpires?
We are the local softball officials association for the AHSAA, serving Cullman, Franklin, Lawrence, Morgan, and Winston counties in Alabama. (AHSAA-SB703)
Want to join us?
We’re always looking for men and women who have a heart for serving the sports and softball community. Our association will prepare you, coach you, and support you as you become an AHSAA Softball official.
How much does it cost to be an official?
Each year you must pay dues to the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) and to our local association. Our local dues are $60, and the AHSAA dues for Softball are currently $70. You must also pay AHSAA for a once per year background check, which covers all AHSAA sports.
How much will I get paid?
It mostly depends on your availability and what you’re assigned to call. Pay for games varies from $55 to $75 per game depending on the format (5/7 innings) and level (V/JV/JH/MS). In most cases, you are also compensated a flat fee for travel cost.
How do I get started?
Feel free to reach out to us by email. Let us know your phone number and someone will give you a call to answer any questions. You can also just show up at a regular meeting. Please come a bit early so we can help get you started. We currently meet every Wednesday at 6pm. Our meeting dates are listed further down on this page.
Where can I get my gear?
You can get your required gear and uniforms from many sources – online or in person. We recommend you come to a meeting before purchasing anything in order to make sure about the requirements.
Check out our Gear and AHSAA Uniform page for a detailed list and review of the gear you’ll need and the uniform you’re required to wear.
Training and Resource Links
NCALSoftball Links (Unofficial)
- NCALSB Internal Page
- Base Umpire Fundamentals
- Working the Plate
- Calling Pitches
- Base Mechanics No Runners
- Base Mechanics Runner on 1
- Base Mechanics Runner on 2/3
- Plate Mechanics
- ASA Training part 1
- ASA Training part 2
- Pre-Game Procedure
- DP-Flex Rule Training
- NFHS Softball Umpires Facebook Group
- Gear and AHSAA Uniform
- Simple Softball Lineup Card Management System
AHSAA Softball
NFHS Softball (Rules)
- 2026 NFHS Softball Rule Changes
- 2026 NFHS Softball Points of Emphasis
- 2026 NFHS Softball Comments on the Rules
- NFHS Softball Illegal Player Penalty Chart
- NFHS Softball Pitching Videos (2024)
- NFHS Softball Virtual Casebook
- NFHS Softball Field Diagram
- NFHS Softball Training Videos
- Non-Approved Bats with Certification Marks
- Major Rule Differences – NFHS, NCAA, and USA Softball
Older NFHS (some information may be out of date)
- 2025 NFHS Softball Rule Changes
- 2025 NFHS Softball Comments on the Rules
- 2025 NFHS Softball Points of Emphasis
- 2025 NFHS Softball Rules Interpretations
- 2024 NFHS Softball Rule Changes
- 2024 NFHS Softball Comments on the Rules
- 2024 NFHS Softball Points of Emphasis
- 2024 NFHS Softball Rules Interpretations
- NFHS Rule 3 PowerPoint – Substitutes and Lineup Card
- NFHS Rule 3 PowerPoint – DP FLEX
- NFHS Rule 4 PowerPoint – Pre-Game and Post-Game
- NFHS Rule 5 PowerPoint – Dead Ball and Suspension of Play
- NFHS Rule 7 PowerPoint – Batter
- NFHS Rule 7 PowerPoint – Batting Out of Order
- NFHS Rule 8 PowerPoint – Lookback Rule
- NFHS Softball Signals Chart
Important Dates
- Jan 7: First Association Meeting
- Jan 14: Association Meeting
- Jan 21: Association Meeting
- Jan 28: Association Meeting
- TBA: Pre-Season Training Opportunities
- Feb 4: Association Meeting
- Feb 7: District Camp @ LCHS
- $50 fee
- Feb 11: Association Meeting
- Feb 18: Association Meeting
- Feb 25: Association Meeting
- Mar 4: Association Meeting
- Mar 18: Association Meeting
- Apr 1: Association Meeting
- Apr 15: Association Meeting
- Apr 29: Association Meeting
AHSAA Softball Dates
- Feb 19: First Day of the Regular Season
- April 25: Last Day for Area Play
- May 1-5: Area Tournaments
- May 11-14: Regional Tournaments
- May 18-22: State Tournament
