Wing Commander Leith Roberts has achieved a significant sporting milestone, earning his international softball umpiring certificate after a rigorous seven-game assessment in New Zealand with experts from Botswana, Australia and New Zealand.

This prestigious World Baseball Softball Confederation credential solidifies his place as one of Australia’s most respected umpires, complementing his accomplished Air Force career.

At 45, Wing Commander Roberts is currently Deputy Chief of Staff to Head Air Force Capability in Canberra and has dedicated 25 years to the Air Force. Yet his passion for softball has been a constant thread in his life.

“I started to play tee-ball in Western Australia when I was six,” Wing Commander Roberts said.

“Growing up, I spent countless weekends at lightning carnivals and just loved the game.”

These early tee-ball tournaments, packed with short, intense games across multiple age groups, sparked a lifelong commitment to softball. He played competitively until 2000, taking a break until 2013 to focus on his early Air Force career, which included memorable postings like VIP operations at RAAF Base Fairbairn.

Umpiring entered the picture in 1995 as a requirement for state team selection – and what started as necessity evolved into passion.

“For me, it became more about the human interaction piece,” Wing Commander Roberts said.

“As a player, you’re focused on one to five skills; as a coach, you’re focused on a team and their skills. As an umpire, you’re focused on the event and the game and taking every game from start to end with the team that deserves it most ultimately winning.”

'When you’re fielding or batting, it’s an individual effort. Yes, you’re there for the team, but every play involving you is an individual effort.'

Wing Commander Roberts last played in 2022 at the first Softball Australia over-35 national tournament for the ACT. He also assistant-coached the under-23 men’s team. This experience sharpened his umpiring – he is the current ACT State Director of Umpiring.

His greatest thrill came in December last year with his first plate umpire duty in an international match between Australia and New Zealand’s under-23 men’s teams.

“The international umpire certification is lovely to have, but I think my biggest achievement was my first international plate in December,” he said.

Wing Commander Roberts is drawn to softball for its unique blend of team dynamics and personal accountability.

“It’s one of those team sports where it’s 100 per cent individual effort,” he said.

“When you’re fielding or batting, it’s an individual effort. Yes, you’re there for the team, but every play involving you is an individual effort.

“As an umpire, it’s about the precision of being in the right spot at the right time and getting the call right. The players deserve us to get it right. When you get it wrong, it is important to own that too. No one’s perfect, but as umpires, a perfect game is our goal.”

Nerves come with the territory and Wing Commander Roberts combats that feeling with “a lot of self-talk” and experience, calming himself between pitches with positive affirmations. These mental strategies mirror his Air Force work.

“The continual focus on developing decision making, emotional mastery, fitness, precision and rapid judgment – it all crosses over,” he said.

'There are so many benefits to being involved in Defence sports.'

Wing Commander Roberts also noted that umpiring builds “unbiased moral courage and judgement, interpretation of applications and rules” – skills that are fundamental in Defence.

The Air Force Sports Council has been instrumental in supporting his pursuits. Recognised as an elite sports person since 2020, Wing Commander Roberts has benefitted from ongoing endorsement.

Balancing his work and sporting commitments is challenging but manageable with “good bosses and good communication”.

“There are so many benefits to being involved in Defence sports,” he said.

Looking ahead, Wing Commander Roberts plans to focus on supporting the Australian and international team preparations in the lead up to the 2027 World Cup in Redcliffe, Queensland.

About 35 aviators are currently playing softball through the ADF Diamond Sports Association.

For further information about playing softball, email adf.softball@defence.gov.au