Is this what happens when the economy is in the toilet?

[Stu Clary]

We had our first slow pitch meeting of the year...LOTS of new faces.

[PtotheB]

I've been noticing the same thing here.

[NCASAUmp]

I've noticed that when the economy goes down the drain or when gas prices skyrocket, teams drop out. The first thing that people drop are the unnecessary expenses, and softball is sadly towards the top of that list.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

I've noticed that when the economy goes down the drain or when gas prices skyrocket, teams drop out. The first thing that people drop are the unnecessary expenses, and softball is sadly towards the top of that list.

Compared to other items which involves entertainmant/physical fitness dollars, softball is an inexpensive, long term distraction. Don't see the decline in teams as much as an increase in the umpire community.

The issue for us is to make the umpiring attractive so these new umpires don't just disappear when things get better.

[CajunNewBlue]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Compared to other items which involves entertainmant/physical fitness dollars, softball is an inexpensive, long term distraction. Don't see the decline in teams as much as an increase in the umpire community.

The issue for us is to make the umpiring attractive so these new umpires don't just disappear when things get better.

Hire bikini models to do clinics? that would make it more attractive for me.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by CajunNewBlue

Hire bikini models to do clinics? that would make it more attractive for me.

As long as Mike isn't the clinician.

[DeRef]

Originally Posted by CajunNewBlue

Hire bikini models to do clinics? that would make it more attractive for me.

Please tell me that I don't have to see Lil Bit in a bikini...

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Compared to other items which involves entertainmant/physical fitness dollars, softball is an inexpensive, long term distraction. Don't see the decline in teams as much as an increase in the umpire community.

The issue for us is to make the umpiring attractive so these new umpires don't just disappear when things get better.

Every time gas prices jump, I see teams not return and tourneys with lower numbers. Softball is not inexpensive when it costs $450-500 per team ($40-50 per player), plus gas to get to and from the fields, plus equipment such as new balls and bats (and we all know how much those bats can run), shoes, maybe a new glove...

Then there are the secondary costs, such as going out with the team to the bars afterwards, finding a babysitter, etc.

This sport isn't cheap, and when families are worried about finances, these entertainment expenses (and that's exactly what they are) are first to go.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

Every time gas prices jump, I see teams not return and tourneys with lower numbers. Softball is not inexpensive when it costs $450-500 per team ($40-50 per player), plus gas to get to and from the fields, plus equipment such as new balls and bats (and we all know how much those bats can run), shoes, maybe a new glove...

Then there are the secondary costs, such as going out with the team to the bars afterwards, finding a babysitter, etc.

This sport isn't cheap, and when families are worried about finances, these entertainment expenses (and that's exactly what they are) are first to go.

#1. Those rates are too high
#2. Actually, I was referring to league play where travel is limited and the spouse does the babysitting.