I have been discouraged by watching the umpires at the LLWS at virtually all levels. I went to Michigan and watched the Big League girls finals (WV was in the game). There were umpires there that certainly needed some help. As far as the umps down the line standing in fair territory, that's what LL teaches. I did the JLG Southern Region last year and they want that ump in fair territory. Hopefully I'll get a girls WS next year. Here in our LL district, most of the softball umps do HS and College and ASA so while we are volunteer for LL, we are very qualified at the same time.
I thought the umps in the CA/FL game last night needed some help. The poor guy in LF looked like a deer in the headlights on that HR call (or NO call). I also personally thought it was a no-catch in RF. The kid did not voluntarily release the ball - it rolled out of his glove.
Oh well, I fell better now!
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