USA Softball is the National Governing Body of Softball in the United States. Created as the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) in 1933, the organization established a uniform set of rules and a governing structure for the sport for the first time. USA Softball sanctions competitions in all 50 states through a complex network of local, state, and regional associations and oversees development of the sport from the U.S. National Team Programs to recreational leagues and competitive Championship Play in both youth and adult tournaments.
USA Softball recognized the need for improvements to organizational structure and operations to strengthen current and future leadership throughout the organization to be better positioned for success in a highly competitive environment. In order to continue the growth of the sport and the organization, USA Softball has prioritized the need for competency-based training of league, tournament, and association staff and volunteers. The annual work plan identified 2 strategic initiatives that are complex and particularly important to address in order to achieve this goal- Succession Management and Training for Succession Management.
To this end, USA Softball partnered with the Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Land to create a competency-based training program resulting in endorsements or certificates for individuals serving in local association roles. The objectives of this training program are to create efficient and effective management of local softball associations and to professionally prepare volunteers and staff at the local level to rise to higher levels of responsibility. The result is a suite of 11 e-courses to train staff on all aspects of league, tournament, and USA Softball organizational management. The courses are hosted on LEAP LMS for the use of State Commissioners to administer training to local association personnel wishing to comply with USA Softball operational requirements and advance in the organization.
