Matter of mechanics ....

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally posted by emaxos

I know there's a umpire shortage and I know it's largely caused because of the abuse you take but that does not justify keeping anyone that can't or won't perform their job properly.
That does not include rookies that are learning.

The problem is that most softball organizations have no perception of the shortage of resources. Too many are living in a Field of Dreams world and that is not a real place.

I have had to tell people, including college club teams, that I cannot supply umpires because they just do not exist. I would love to accommodate all those who ask, but even using unqualified umpires doesn't cover the needs.

The local umpire association has been threatened in the past with lawsuits to provide umpires. Yes, it does go that far. Those folks are basically told to file whatever they please noting you cannot get blood out of a rock.

I have gone so far as to offer every youth organization free training (I do require registration for liability purposes) to those involved in officiating their league even if it isn't ASA. I have only had one organization take advantage of this and registered 7 umpires. Only one showed up for our school. The others chose to stay home or go out and work on the fields that day. Obviously, they do not care about their own children's games, so why should I worry about supplying them umpires? I do because it is in the best interest of ASA, the local association and the leagues.

If we don't put umpires out there, Brand X will. I believe some of the best umpire training comes from ASA and it is up to the umpire to take advantage of it.

Trust me, Chief, I would love to abide by your standards. The problem is that the rest of the softball community, at least in my area, doesn't.