The newly appointed WBSC Europe Director of Softball Umpires Florian Lautenschläger brings a wealth of experience to his new role.
Lautenschläger's journey in softball umpiring commenced in 1996. He started umpiring in the German Bundesliga's 1st Division in 1999. In 2011, Lautenschlager started umpiring in the WBSC Europe competitions, to then become a WBSC-certified umpire in 2014.
Throughout his career, Lautenschläger has officiated at events such as the Men's World Cup in 2011 in Prague, Czech Republic; the Junior Men's World Cup in 2016 in Midland, USA; the Junior Women's World Cup in 2019 in Irvine, USA; and the Canada Cup in 2017 in Surrey, Canada.
His expertise has been sought after in numerous tournaments across Europe, including European Championships and European Cups.
Lautenschläger has served as an instructor, evaluator, and Umpire in Chief (UiC) at Softball Europe competitions since 2021. Lautenschläger was appointed to the WBSC Europe Softball Umpiring Committee in March 2023.
"I would like to thank Nacho Pardo for his great work and enthusiasm during the past years. I am pleased that we will continue to work closely togehter and wish him all the best for his new position," Mr. Lautenschläger expressed his gratitude and optimism: "Feeling honored about this appointment, I am sure that with our great blue crew in Europe and my team, the WBSC Europe Softball Umpiring Committee, we will be able to shape the future and even launch some innovations."
Outgoing WBSC Europe Director of Softball Umpires Nacho Pardo praised Lautenschläger's selection, stating, "My sincere thanks to WBSC Europe and Gabriel Waage for the trust placed in me and for allowing me to live this wonderful experience. Thanks to my team for all their effort and work, which is often not known to all. Finally, my congratulations and best of luck to Florian. I cannot think of a better replacement, and I have no doubt that the level of umpires in Europe will continue to grow".
WBSC Europe Softball Vice President shared his enthusiasm for the appointment: "I am happy to welcome on board the WBSC Europe Director of Umpires Mr. Florian Lautenschläger. I am sure that Florian will be a great successor, and will continue efficiently running the umpires programs in Europe."
Former WBSC Europe Director of Softball Umpires, Nacho Pardo, stepped down from his role to assume the prestigious position of WBSC Director of Softball Umpires, a move celebrated by WBSC Europe Softball Vice President Gabriel Waage, who praised Nacho's outstanding communication skills and regarded it as a great honor for Europe, reaffirming the effectiveness of European management in the international softball arena.
Florian Lautenschläger will be working with Hans Hornstra and Raoul Machalet in the WBSC Europe Softball Umpiring Committee.
Cover photo by WBSC
