[David B]

Peter is exactly on target here.

We wonder why we hear so many stories of parents jumping on an umpire, or we hear umpires who talk about I would never go back to calling LL (or any other kids leagues) because the parents are horrible etc.,

It's because we have allowed umpires to get on the field and I'm sure many times its economics, but they have no clue. (many don't even have a rule book)

This umpire makes up his rules based on what "he or she": learned while playing ball 20 years ago.

Now we fast forward three years and this same kid is playing "real" baseball as Tee calls it. (not the 60'
cage match)

The umpire makes his calls and the parents and coaches go crazy. Now the umpire is trained and has read his books and knows the rules, but the parents and coaches have no clue.

But, the umpire is chastised and characterized as being "horrible" "he cost us the game" "why don't you go back to umpiring school" "where did you get that mask - walmart" and etc, etc., etc.,

As Peter states, umpires across the country have less and less credibility and its only going to get worse.

Anything we can do as umpires and as local leagues to help is certainly worth the effort.

Thanks
David