[officialtony]

QUOTE: " . .On 5 January, the calendar of events and meeting dates was given to every umpire. The Board set two dates for the 3/4 clinic: 3 and 10 April. An umpire who wanted play-off games had to attend one.

I argued that a family meeting such as that could be moved earlier or later, especially since two years had passed for a healing to take place.


I immediately resigned my position on the Board. . . . "
End Quote.

First of all EVERYONE was given a choice of two dates to attend. They only had to make one to qualify. That seems very clear as criteria for the circumstances based on board rules. If an umpire wants to do play-off games, he must attend one.

My point of contention would have been with your argument about changing the dates of the family meetings and it having been two years since the passing of his family member. Everybody deals with those kinds of situations differently. Some people grieve for years and some move on in days. I would not judge the time frame or his commitment to " healing ".

Now, having said that, this umpire has a clear choice. He could either do play-off games, or, he can attend his family meetings. That is not your problem. That is his. Everybody has issues which cause us to make choices about our lives. His choice was to attend his family meeting forgoing the opportunity to attend the mandatory clinic needed to do play-off games. So he made his choice. The fact he now regrets his choice is, again, not your problem. I agree 100% with your attitude that if you change the rule for one, you must change it for all. IMHO he is out. I support your decision to resign ( although it is certainly their loss ) and to abide by your principles. Is it right to cut someone else out who did attend the clinics to make a place for this umpire? Not IMHO.

Ultimately - right call on your part, your partner ( the board ) let you down.