The South African Union’s Baseball5 Commission, together with the Umpires Commission, hosted a virtual training workshop for Game Officials from 19 to 20 June 2024. This workshop saw the participation of 59 individuals from South Africa and Botswana.
The training session was presented by South African and WBSC umpire Jason Bell, who has officiated at two WBSC Baseball5 World Cups and brought a wealth of knowledge to the participants. The sessions included live match videos with virtual on-screen scoring, providing a practical understanding of the game.
Participants were introduced to the WBSC Baseball5 Game Management System and the official Rulebook. They also had the opportunity to engage with experienced B5 coaches and Game Officials, enhancing their understanding and skills in managing the sport.
These training workshops are part of the SABU B5 Commission’s ongoing efforts to increase awareness and participation in Baseball5. The South African Baseball Umpires Commission is diligently preparing a strong lineup of officials, not only in time for the upcoming WBSC Africa Youth Baseball5 Southern Region Championship (Region 5) but also to build a deep base of experienced officials as Baseball5 continues to grow.
WBSC Africa Youth Baseball5 Southern Region Championship is scheduled to take place from 08-13 August 2024, and will be hosted in Limpopo, Polokwane, at the Ngoako Ramahlodi Community Hall. Such initiatives play a crucial role in the development and popularity of this exciting and fast-paced urban sport.