[PeteBooth]

Originally posted by Jackie W.

Here's the situation:

I was scheduled to a Div. II college double-header on Sunday. When the home team coach inquired as to who the umpires were, he stated that "No woman was going to work on his ballfields"! He also commented that if my partner brought me down to these games, that he would no longer receive contracts from this school. He then tried to recover by saying that if nothing else, wait and bring me in for a non-conference game. The opposing team coach witnessed this the day before, as well as others. We went anyway, and were highly complimented by the opposing team coaches and also one of the asst. coaches of the home team. The sad thing is this coach is also the A.D. for this school. For anyone wondering, I did not get into baseball umpiring to cross any gender lines or prove any point. I just love the game. I am getting tired of the discrimation that's out there. I was told that I could contact NASO about pursuing any legal aspects. Do I take a stand or just live with the fact that I'm going to run into this type of mentality?

Jackie (nice name that's my daughter's name also), society has come a long way in trying to rid itself of prejudices and discrimination but unfortunately, it still exists.

You are just like us , umpiring a game not because you are ceratin religion, sex or color, but because you like the game and let's be honest it doesn't hurt making some extra money as well.

I agree with Marty in that your first recource of action should be with your assignor and see if he / she will go to bat for you . Unfortunately, there's this thing called which exists in Corporate America as well called the Good Ole Boy Network that's been around for years and will probably still be around after we are all gone.

As far as you taking a stand or just living with it, it is really up to you. As long as your Peers think you are good enough, you should get those type of assignments. However, if you proceed with legal action and win, it can only be a good thing for other women who might want to take up umpiring as well.

In general there is a lack of HS and college officials. There have been many reasons why, but perhaps even more than violence towards officials another main reason is "Umpire Association" not sticking up for one another and also discrimination and "the good ole boy" network.

From varsity HS right through college, the coaches do have a say in who officiates their games. However, that decision should be based on the qulaity of umpiring and not simply someone's relgion, sex or color.

Good luck to you and keep us informed

Pete Booth