The CNA will present twenty workshops for umpires at CON-X 2024 at the Palacongressi in Rimini from January 26-28, 2024. As with the coaches and scorers, the umpires will also have a rich and interesting program highlighted by the appearance of two of the finest international baseball and softball umpires in the game.
Czech-born Zdenek Zidek graduated from Charles University in Prague with a degree in law and began as a softball umpire. He became a certified WBSC Europe international umpire before launching into the world of baseball. Zidek attended the MLB school for professional umpires in 2019 and has since worked his way up from the Rookie League to Double-A ball in 2023. As a member of the WBSC Europe Baseball Umpire Steering Committee, he has been a well-respected instructor throughout the continent.
Canadian softball umpire Frances Billingsley graces the Palacongressi stage after years of playing, coaching and umpiring the game. “Frankie” Billingsley found her path as an umpire in 2000 and has never turned back as a staple at international competitions. She obtained the Canadian Federation Fifth level of umpiring while officiating at the Canadian FastPitch senior softball championships and attained WBSC certification in 2013. Since then, Billingsley has umpired at the following international events: the 2016 World Cup in Surrey (Canada), the 2018 World Cup in Takasaki (Japan), the Pan American Games in Lima (Peru), the U18 Men's World Championship in Palmerston (New Zealand); an Olympic qualifying tournament and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
In Canada, Billingsley has umpired ten national softball finals–including the Canadian men's softball college finals. Off the diamond, she pursues a hobby of refereeing basketball. In both sports, she has a great passion for teaching, leading by example and developing all levels of officiating.
CNA commissioner Gianluca Magnani will open the CON-X 2024 umpiring program Inside the Palacongressi Temple Hall on Saturday morning, January 27th and again on Sunday morning, January 28th. Baseball speakers include: Zdenek Zidek, Simone Menicucci, Yuri Machiavelli, Alessandro Maestri and Sergio Radice. A joint meeting presided by Silvano Filippi and Stefano De Ceccois will take place from 3-3.45 pm and be followed by award ceremony for baseball and softball umpires.
The softball lineup will open on Saturday morning, January 27th at 10 am inside the Palacongressi Park Hall with Frances Billingsley, who will be followed by Sabrina Fabrizi. Billingsley will return on Sunday, January 27th with Gian Paolo Pelosi along with Fabio Capitoni and Salvatore Biondillo. Fabio Capitoni will later speak at 2 pm.
Forza #Italia!
by Maurizio Caldarelli and Roberto Angotti
