[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

I never did that. If something is going to go sideways or get goofy, it is going to be at the 10U level. For that reason, I always preferred the better umpires who are going to have enough sense on how to handle any issues with the players and coaches.

I used to have people who thought they were too good for 10U, but I'm not aware of anyone I sent away to a FP national that did not work the 10U level. To me, that is a test of an umpire. Hell, 18U is easy ball to work compared to 10U & 12U.

IMO, anyone who "buries" inexperienced or weak umpire on a lower level game isn't doing the teams or the umpire an favors.

And before anyone says it, yes it is not a bad place to train umpires, but not by fire. You need a top level umpire to work with anyone you are attempting to train in a live game.

Irish:

I couldn't agree with you more. During my 34 years as a women's college basketball official I had many partners ask why I was still officiating JrHS basketball. I told him that it was paid practice and because I could see the same goofy think at least five times a year at the level which I might only see one every five years at the college level, meaning when I saw it in a college game I was not going to be surprised.

MTD, Sr.