A Woman Umpire?

by John Whitcher

CHARLENE VAN HIEL

The setting was the same. Screaming players, enthusiastic fans, joy in the light of triumph, disappointment in the face of defeat. Yes, the setting was the same—with one drastic exception—the authoritative voice from behind the umpire's mask was that of a woman.

The woman umpire, the first in the eight year history of the St. Charles Park District, St. Charles, Illinois, called the plays with the same certainty any male in the position could express. The woman umpire gave others a chance to see just what the All-American housewife could really do out on that athletic field.

Mrs. Charlene Van Hiel, St. Charles, mother of four and full time housewife, felt she was qualified for the position being advertised in a local newspaper. The ad simply stated than an umpire was needed for St. Charles Park District's softball leagues and that interested individuals should contact the park district office. Having participated in athletics while in high school and having been president and an active member in the Girls Athletic Association while in high school Mrs. Van Hiel felt she knew enough about the sport to officiate.

When initial contact was made, John Whitcher Superintendent of Recreation, claimed he was a little surprised that a woman would be interested in the open position. He went on, however, that he was very pleased with the interest this woman was showing. "After all," he said, "she would be making history for the St. Charles Park District."

And make history she did.

Mrs. Van Hiel went on to apply and be hired for the position. She appeared to be an excellent candidate for an umpire position. The question of sex had never before been presented to the staff for a job of this type. The important thing, was that the person was able to do the job and do the job well. The female umpire ended up doing a great job for the park district.

In actuality Mrs. Van Hiel never thought her interest in the position was anything extraordinary. She never gave any thought to the fact that she might be the only woman official on the staff.

Mrs. Van Hiel found the work to be interesting and challenging and she feels the most rewarding part of the experience was working with the kids and therefore helping the kids. She said, "It becomes all important that the kids play the game with a good sportsmanlike attitude. This attitude must be instilled by the umpires and coaches. In this sense, helping these kids meant teaching them to face winning or losing gracefully."

This philosophy well mirrors the attitudes which the Park District personnel uphold. Whitcher explained that his staff makes it their goal to train the officials so they will have a good sound background in the game before they go on the field to officiate. It's important, he feels, that everyone involved with officiating is capable of making fair and accurate calls.

In describing his first woman umpire Whitcher said, "Charlene was the perfect example of what a woman can do if she really applies herself. She gave of herself and helped so many kids while doing it. In actuality she was one of the best umpires I've ever had. It is quite evident that women can do the job. We're more than happy to have them."

(Editor's Note: John Whitcher is Superintendent of Recreation for the St. Charles Park District.)

Illinois Parks and Recreation 10 May/June, 1974