[lawfiveguy]

I am a baseball/softball umpire in Michigan and our association makes all take part 1 at our AGM- even the old fogies like me who have been doing it 20 some odd years. I think it would be great for Michigan to make the coaches take the part 1 exam each year.

I also referee soccer in Michigan and Indiana (one of the perks of living on the border)and in order to referee in the Indiana post season tournament I have to take part II and pass with 90% or better to be in the referee pool. Don't know about baseball/softball as I do not umpire in Indiana (can't get out of work in time for the DHs).

In general I think that if you have an objective standard like the part I or part II tests, and have coaches and officials take them, the sport improves.