Gentlemen,

My sincere thanks to each of you for your responses and advice.

I realized that this was most likely a sensitive subject before I posted, and felt this would be a good place to seek informed input.

I am not disappointed.

A number of points were raised that I had considered, and many I hadn't. I still haven't decided what to do, but whatever I do decide, I at least feel it will be a better informed decision.

Thanks again, all.

JM

Coach,

I had a similar situation to yours a couple of years ago and this is how I handled it. My situation may be a little different because I had umpired in this association for few years before I moved into coaching so I had a bit of a relationship with the assignor.

Basically, I called up the assignor and expressed a few of my concerns about this individual that we were getting almost every game. I then told him that, as a coach, my judgment may be a little clouded so, could you, or someone you trust, come out and watch this guy work and then talk with me after the game about some of my concerns. Well, he came out, watched and after we chatted. Some of the things he agreed with, some he told me were “whiney rat” issues as some of you say. He then told me he would talk with the individual, maybe arrange for some additional training in some areas and see what he could do about not scheduling him so much at our games.