[Rich Ives]

Garth B

You wrote:

Now, follow me if you can, this is very simple:

LL has a choice, yes or no? Yes.

LL chooses a volunteer system, yes or no? Yes.

LL would choose a system they find inferior, yes or no? No

Ergo, LL, by its actions (choice) has determined that, for them, in their opinion, a volunteer umpiring system is superior.

LL chose the system they PREFER, and which they believe best represents the purpose and objectives of LL. "Superior" umpires are not the objective. It is based on their objectives for the program, not to insure that the absolutely best calls are made in the games. The objectives are to exhibit the proper leadership, and to do it with personnel who are both volunteers and committed to Little League.

To quote from "The Umpire in Little League":

"To effectively penetrate all areas of league personnel and encourage better leadership, it is essential that the umpire, as well as manager and coach, participate in the same degree of volunteer service. The umpire cannot remain aloof from this aspect of the program. Payment for such services relegates the umpire to a category apart from all others who volunteer."