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

[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.