The National Federation High School (NFHS) Officials Association named Linda Weber, sports official specialist for Blue Valley Recreation, the Kansas Softball Official of the Year.
In addition to her duties at Blue Valley Rec, Weber is an official with the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA). The award honors an official in each sport for their outstanding service and unselfish devotion to interscholastic activities.
Weber is in her 22nd year of umpiring softball at both the high school and college levels in addition to rec league. She worked the KSHSAA 6A state softball tournaments in 2011, 2010, and 2008 and the 5A tournament in 2009. The Amateur Softball Association (ASA) invited her to work the 18U gold nationals based on her body of work. Weber also worked the men’s slow pitch D nationals for two years.
“I am humbled by this honor as there are quite a few outstanding umpires,” said Weber. “It’s very satisfying to see a player during a high school game and they have a positive memory of me from rec league.”
Her passion for sports and her ability to communicate with coaches and players affords opportunities for her to make a difference. One of her favorite things to do is develop young officials. In addition to softball, Weber also officiates basketball and volleyball.
“Blue Valley Rec is proud of the honor Linda earned,” said executive director Steve Baysinger. “She works diligently at improving her skills as an umpire and brings that same expectation of continuous improvement to the training she leads for our leagues.”
Weber requires Blue Valley Rec officials to study the same rules books she does and gives them the same certification exam the KSHSAA requires. She also conducts several training sessions prior to the rec season complete with sample scenarios, advice, and a practice game. Weber stresses that once the season starts, officiating is not just a job; it is a chance to make a positive experience for everyone involved.
Other NFHS honorees:
Baseball – Wyatt Cole; Basketball – Frank Bell (Boys), Brett Stewart (Girls); Football – Tom Ault; Soccer – Mauro Sallustio (Boys), Ken Ross (Girls); Track & Field – Doug Lee (Boys), Steve Lehning (Girls); Wrestling – Aron Weichman; Volleyball – Jeff Regier; Active Official – Doug Fitzmorris.