[AtlUmpSteve]

If it's a manpower issue, then you have to do what you have to do to cover the games. But, where the manpower exists, accepting one man games as the norm (because they want to save money) is just as mercenary on your part, in my opinion.

In our area, nothing in fastpitch above 8U coach pitch has just one umpire; and many leagues have two for that. When a rec program contacts me for umpires (and I handle just one of ten, or so, associations in the area), the option of one umpire in fastpitch isn't even considered. We charge $36 per umpire per game based on minimum two umpires and two games; if we accidently supply only one umpire, the fee is $54 (150% the individual fee). Very few teams/leagues/programs would even think the option of $108 for one umpire in a doubleheader makes sense compared to $144 for two; and we have zero that request that option.

Accepting one umpire games also kills the possibility of quality experience, or mentoring, during the training process. The worst (youngest and rec level) ball wants one umpire; without an experienced umpire to help, how does the inexperienced umpire learn how to handle game situations, who critiques their mechanics, their positioning, their strike zone? And, what experienced umpire wants these low level games? At least, in two man, the experienced umpire accomplishes something beyond accepting a paycheck; he can help train the less experienced umpire.

I hope I never have to deal with the apparent realities you all have; it just isn't accepted or acceptable here.