[coachsara]

It was a small tourney-only one age group and 12 teams but it was probably the best 12-unders in the state.

When asked to UIC the tournament I actually found it to be a compliment. I've worked hard to build a good reputation for myself and I guess in times like this it shows.

I was a bit intimidated but hopefully didn't let it show too much. The men I had calling for me had all been umpiring for at least 10 years. I have only been umpiring for 3 years and am quite a bit younger than these guys.

I worked with the tourney director (who wasn't much help) with the rainy conditions and when he (the TD) wanted to keep playing (it was a fundraiser for his team) I overruled him and delayed the games for the safety of the girls. After some breaks in the rain the lightening came back and I got the fields cleared quickly. We eventually agreed to delay the tourney until Sunday and thankfully I had a couple of my crew to come back on Father's Day. The rain ended up washing out the remainder of the tourney anyway.

I'm giving you folks that UIC on a regular basis a lot more respect than I already had.

Thank you