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[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by BretMan

Unfortunately, that effort has involved lowering the standards of training and certification requirements. While this effort may indeed increase the number of minority umpires, I can't see it increasing the number of competent umpires, regardless of race or gender.

(P.S. to msavakinas: I am also in the COBUA and that is the association to which I am refering.)

I do not think changing standards have to lowering the number of competent officials that are available. Maybe those standards were silly to begin with. I know that in my area, standards were changed to make it easier so officials want to stay in the avocation. And frankly the numbers in baseball are hurting big time in my area. They better do something or there will have all games with one umpire. This is after all the Midwest; the weather during most games is not in the best of conditions. A lot of officials do not want to be outside.

Peace