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Old Wed Mar 04, 2009, 08:37am
NCASAUmp NCASAUmp is offline
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Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: NC
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Quote:
Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA View Post
Compared to other items which involves entertainmant/physical fitness dollars, softball is an inexpensive, long term distraction. Don't see the decline in teams as much as an increase in the umpire community.

The issue for us is to make the umpiring attractive so these new umpires don't just disappear when things get better.
Every time gas prices jump, I see teams not return and tourneys with lower numbers. Softball is not inexpensive when it costs $450-500 per team ($40-50 per player), plus gas to get to and from the fields, plus equipment such as new balls and bats (and we all know how much those bats can run), shoes, maybe a new glove...

Then there are the secondary costs, such as going out with the team to the bars afterwards, finding a babysitter, etc.

This sport isn't cheap, and when families are worried about finances, these entertainment expenses (and that's exactly what they are) are first to go.
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Dave

I haven't decided if I should call it from the dugout or the outfield. Apparently, both have really great views!

Screw green, it ain't easy being blue!

I won't be coming here that much anymore. I might check in now and again.
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