[PeteBooth]

Originally posted by PAT THE REF

For those of you that dont know me my name is Patrick & I am a head umpire of a local recreational league.

You need not say no more when you say REC league which from my experience and you found at first hand are the most disorganized and misbehaved leagues to umpire in.

Suggestions:

You need to have a PRE-SUMMER meeting with the parties involved and LAY DOWN THE LAW If they do not get it, here's another suggestion that sometimes works.

Since you are the UIC, I'm sure you have a couple of "Old Smitty's" you can send to umpire these type games. This "type" umpire couldn't care less what people think or say. Give me my paycheck and I go home. Also, how many do I have to eject to have NO game, go home early with a nice paycheck.

If this league wants to behave that way, then give it back to them Save your "best" crew(s) for your Bread and Butter leagues that give you less headaches.

Now to the poster who also had a fiasco.

Here's some Game management techniques that could aid you.

First and Foremeost make CERTAIN you get PAID up front, especially dealing with the type of league your thread was about.

When doing a game SOLO. Take NOTHING from no one and I mean NOTHING . As long as you hustle, that's all that is needed. One peep from either bench and you get your point across in a hurry. You don't need adjeda. If they do not get the message it's see ya have a nice day.

As others mentioned do not look for acolades from ANYBODY. If you want an honest evaluation or critique of your performance ask your partner or another Official who observed the game. DO NOT hang around and shake hands. Drop the base-balls, Greet your partner and GO HOME.

Also, do not park too close to where everyone else parks, especially if you have a Double DIP or more which you had. So you have to walk a few extra steps to get too the field, it's well worth it.

Lastly, discuss this league with your association. Are other umpires having difficulty with this league? If your association as a whole is constantly having trouble with this league, Have a MANDATORY meeting with the league officers or Simply DROP them from your schedule as it is not worth it.

Pete Booth