Umpire Burnout

[PeteBooth]

In light of the recent threads we have had (ie; the one where the coach came onto the field with a bat), some of Garth's and other's latest post where coaches rush onto the field like a Fire drill do you get to a point in the season where you say

"I have had enough"

I do not know about your particular areas but it seems coaches are getting worse. Even legion which is supposed to be about Sportsmanship etc. is not what it used to be.

Do you have a goal in mind when you will finally "hang um up"

Do you get tired of the constant "policing of the games"

Every year as we hit July I often say to myself "Is it time to go" Also, our association has found it difficult to recruit "young blood" partly because of the economy meaning it's very difficult when you are young and starting a Professional career to be able to get off of work and umpire baseball. Also, who in their "right mind" after seeing some of the antics displayed by these coaches / players would want to take up umpiring.


For me summer ball used to be a place where I would work on different aspects of my mechanics. Try new things etc. However, These summer tournaments is like "life /death" for some of these teams.

You make a mistake (or not ) and you think Armagedon was upon us.

IMO, in order to get new recruits etc. a zero type policy among umpire associations will have to take effect meaning The LITERAL wording of 9.02 adhered to. Not like the PRO game where it has become customary for a coach to run onto the field and lamblast an umpire. PRO ball is different and people have to understand that.

In summary do you have ever umpire burnout or if not burnout say to yourself "Enough is enough" Also, instead of doing those "high prestiges games" simply want a relaxed league (yes there are some and I have been requesting more and more of those type games) where every call isn't life or death and you have to police the game.

Thanks

Pete Booth