Carolien Stadhouders, one of the most experienced softball umpires in Europe, was appointed Director of Umpires. 

She will be in charge of Umpires-in-Chief (UiC) development and assignments. One of her responsibilities will be managing exchange programs with other regional confederations, too. She will be the liaison with World Baseball Softball Confederation. The Director of Umpires will also prepare evaluations for all the ESF umpires at the end of every year.

Two new UiC-specialized positions were established: UiC Development and UiC Assignments. Both will work closely with the Director of Umpires.


Raoul Machalet, UiC Development, will be in charge of umpire licensing and education. He will cooperate with Carolien on yearly evaluations preparation. Basic and Advanced umpiring clinics will be organized under Raoul's leadership. Raoul will be the liaison with National Federations in umpire-training matters.


Hans Hornstra, UiC Assignments, will be responsible for assignments of umpires (both slowpitch and fastpitch umpires). He will communicate with National Federations regarding ESF licensed umpires.