President
About MOA
Built on training, service and professionalism
The Margarita Officials Association provides trained fastpitch and slowpitch softball umpires across Southern California.
Our Story
History of the MOA
In June 1968, a group of Marines and Sailors met aboard Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton to form a sports officials association that could meet the Special Services Intramural Sports Department need for sports officials, hence the Margarita Officials Association (MOA) was founded. That small group of officials, under the leadership and guidance of Frank Wilheim, Chuck Guy, and Chuck Silling set the foundation and vision, which has evolved into today's MOA, a well-known, highly respected, amateur sports officials' organization.
From the beginning, the MOA's primary goal has always been to provide the best trained, highest quality sports officials to meet our contractual obligations. The MOA has evolved over the past 55 years, from providing officials for several sports to include: Baseball, Football, Soccer, Softball and Volleyball. Today, we are known as the "Softball Group", with specific, dedicated emphasis in Fastpitch and Slowpitch softball. As noted above, we started on the Base, but today, our umpires work softball games at all levels throughout the United States and internationally, while we maintain our home base in North County, San Diego.
Our name, logo, and brand are widely known and recognized throughout Southern California and the country. This is evidenced by the fact that our members "routinely work late into Sunday" because of our training, ethos, and commitment to professionalism and excellence. Our unique partnership with USA Softball (SoCal) has given our members the necessary training opportunities to succeed at all levels. Regardless of the "letters on the uniform", which may include NAFA (Men's Fastpitch), NCAA (College), NFHS (High School), USA (JO/Slow-Pitch), or any of the numerous other groups that call for MOA Umpires, when we walk on and off field, we are all MOA umpires first, and foremost.
Our Mission
Our Mission
To support the game of softball — fastpitch and slowpitch — by recruiting, training and developing officials who bring professionalism, consistency and integrity to every assignment.
- Train officials thoroughly and continuously
- Serve schools, leagues and organizations reliably
- Represent the association professionally
- Develop the next generation of officials
Leadership
Association Leadership
The officers and coordinators who lead the Margarita Officials Association.
Vice President
Dave Duffield
Finance Director
Ken Mosley
Membership Chair / Recruiter
Scott Ward
Training
Pete Davis
Fastpitch
Fastpitch Softball
MOA umpires work fastpitch games at every level, from youth and high school through college and men's fastpitch. Training emphasizes rules knowledge, plate and base mechanics, positioning and game management.
Slowpitch
Slowpitch Softball
MOA also staffs slowpitch leagues and tournaments, with training focused on the rules, mechanics and pace of play specific to slowpitch softball.
Development
Training & Development
Training is the foundation of the association.
New officials learn fundamentals in the classroom and on the field, then continue developing with feedback from veteran officials. Returning members refine mechanics, study rule changes and prepare for higher levels of play each season.
Standards
Professional Standards
MOA officials are expected to arrive on time and be prepared, wear the proper uniform, communicate respectfully with coaches, players and partners, and apply the rules consistently. Officials represent the association at every game they work.
Community
Our Community
Beyond the games, MOA members support each other as partners and mentors, and take part in association and community events throughout the year. Details and photography from those events will be added here.
Ready to get on the field?
New officials are welcome, and organizations across Southern California can request MOA crews for their games.