Quote:
Originally Posted by LIIRISHMAN
Imho having 16 yr olds doing games is fine as long as it's a low key in house league type of setting. Once you start assigning them "travel league" ball it can overwhelm a young (even an not so young official  ) in too making bad calls due to the pressure that they might be feeling. |
On the contrary, our experience in Seattle has been quite the opposite. We do not allow them to umpire their peers. A 16 year old would do 10s, 12s, maybe 14s. We assign them with a trusted veteran. For girls who play ball, we do not interfere with their high school or travel ball seasons -- hence mostly fall ball.
As for pressure: I have been doing this stuff since 1970. I have to take a leak before EVERY game. I can also assure you a crappy umpire will make bad calls whether or not there is "pressure." The best way to get the pressure off them is to get them out there on the freakin diamond and umpire. Get the safe/out/ball/strike thing going and relax. Coach em up. Mentor them. Don't allow people who aren't authorized trainers to do any "training" -- that way you know they are getting the info and feedback they need.