[timharris]

hello,
im a fastpitch and baseball umpire here in virginia;
my question is why is it so hard for umpires too wear the proper equipment. i work with guys and gals doing fastpitch that wear soccer guards; and no chest protector; being a baseball umpire i wear my full protection when ever i step on the field; this is the way i was taught; sometimes they call me a wimp im a bigguy 6'2 228; and let me tell you something the bigger they are the harder they fall; my chest protector is a +pos with plates and my shin guards are jerry davis and my facemask is a jerry davis; sure this set me back a weeks pay; but i have never been hurt and im here too tell you i have had plenty of balls come off the bat and give me a good crack; so can anyone tell me why a umpire wouldnt wear the proper equipment?

thanks
tim