Relatives

[Skahtboi]

Twice when my daughter was playing varsity, I ended up umpiring her games, because of officials being a no show. Her coach would approach the other team and let them know that his pitcher's father was an umpire, and if they agreed, he could have at least one certified umpire on the field within minutes. Otherwise, they would have to reschedule the game and the visiting team would have to make the long drive back again. Both times the opposing coach agreed.

As for calling the game, I had no problem with either side. I only had to work one game behind the plate for my daughter; the other time while I was working the JV game another (scheduled) official showed up.

However, I do understand the reasons for not wanting a relative to officiate another relative's games. In all honesty, I would much rather have been just a softball dad the two times this did happen.