(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Free umpire training for veterans and their families is coming to Colorado Springs this month thanks to ‘Protect The Game,’ a Colorado-based nonprofit whose mission is to certify military veterans and their families as sports officials.
“We are excited to bring this opportunity to our Colorado Springs veterans and their families,” said Patty Harsch, Founder and President of Protect The Game. “There is a significant shortage of officials in our state, and Protect The Game offers a fantastic solution to bridge this gap.”
The nonprofit is teaming up with Triple Crown Sports, the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation, Mount Carmel Veterans Service Center, Battlefields to Ballfields, and D-BAT Colorado Springs to provide the free umpire training and certification, along with uniforms/equipment.
“The event will feature Fox Sports Rules Analyst and Battlefields to Ballfields Founder, Mike Pereira as a speaker, who will provide insights into officiating opportunities,” the press release read. “Attendees will have the chance to explore a range of potential career paths in sports officiating.”
According to the press release, the event will take place on Feb. 20, 21, and 22 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at D-BAT Colorado Springs, located at 8265 Jamboree Circle.
Those interested in signing up for the training can click here, or they can also email [email protected] or call (970) 231-3672 for more information. The training is also open to Active-Duty Military.
All participants will be trained on the necessary skills to officiate middle school, high school, and travel ball baseball/softball games. According to Protect The Game, graduates of the program will be immediately eligible to work as officials.
