[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

You know what, Mark? Tough. If THEY are dumb enough to schedule games that close, that is their issue. An umpire should never be pushed to any point of not being properly equipped or not getting a chance to catch their breath. IMO, too many umpires play into this crap and shame on the UICs that allow it.

Yes, we all want to be on time. If a coach bitches, remind him of all the time s/he and his team waste on rah-rah or "huddles". I've seen TDs hold a tournament up because the poor players had to play back-to-back because they fell to the loser's bracket early. Let me see, who gets to take a break at least every half-inning, usually in the shade and with cold water available whenever. But the umpires are expected to be perfect on the field and immortal all the time?

AFA the topic, I started umpiring with the balloon in 66 and loved it. The new ones are way too small, but the original offered much more protection than the inside protectors. If you can get one, use it.

Irish:

You are preaching to the choir. Every time I have mentioned using a three-umpire rotation, you would not believe how many umpires protest. They do not want to be on site for as many as 9 games in order to umpire 6 games. They want to work 6 games in a row so they can get down quicker even if it "kills" them.

MTD, Sr