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

Stu Clary · #1 (**permalink**) Tue Mar 03, 2009, 11:29pm

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

PtotheB · #2 (**permalink**) Tue Mar 03, 2009, 11:32pm

I've been noticing the same thing here.

NCASAUmp · #3 (**permalink**) Wed Mar 04, 2009, 07:30am

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 · #4 (**permalink**) Wed Mar 04, 2009, 07:55am

Quote:

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 · #5 (**permalink**) Wed Mar 04, 2009, 08:36am

Quote:

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 · #6 (**permalink**) Wed Mar 04, 2009, 08:37am

Quote:

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.

NCASAUmp · #7 (**permalink**) Wed Mar 04, 2009, 08:38am

Quote:

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.

CajunNewBlue · #8 (**permalink**) Wed Mar 04, 2009, 08:42am

Quote:

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

As long as Mike isn't the clinician.

"bikini models" not fat ugly guys in bikinis... well i dont know mike.... but i know guys around here.

NCASAUmp · #9 (**permalink**) Wed Mar 04, 2009, 08:48am

Quote:

Originally Posted by CajunNewBlue

"bikini models" not fat ugly guys in bikinis... well i dont know mike.... but i know guys around here.

Beards and bikinis do not mix.

CajunNewBlue · #10 (**permalink**) Wed Mar 04, 2009, 08:58am

Quote:

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

Beards and bikinis do not mix.

Word.

SWFLguy · #11 (**permalink**) Wed Mar 04, 2009, 11:50am

several new faces---sadly the economy will also result in fewer high school games next season. The FHSAA has reduced varsity schedules from 25 to 20 games for the 2010 season. JV games will be cut to 15.

IRISHMAFIA · #12 (**permalink**) Wed Mar 04, 2009, 12:18pm

Quote:

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.

#13 (**permalink**) Wed Mar 04, 2009, 12:41pm

You'll know when the economy's bad when the strippers show up at the umpires' meetings!

tcblue13 · #14 (**permalink**) Wed Mar 04, 2009, 01:02pm

I am about to believe that our association has too many umpires for the games we have. I got my schedule yesterday. Way fewer games than in the past. I used to ave 2-3 games a week and this season I have 5 games (1 DH) for the whole season. I hope I get some fill in work because I need to keep the rust off the mechanics. After the fees to the Assoc and the State, new equipment etc. It almost seems hardly worth it. But, I'll hang in there w/out griping (too much) because I love the old Ball Field.