The role of the umpire.

[Skahtboi]

You know, I find it funny that folks automatically assume that younger ages mean unexperienced coaches. Often, this is not the case. As a matter of fact, in my earlier years I used to, like so many people, announce the number of outs after each batter. I quit doing this because I was asked by the coach of a 12U team to stop, because he felt like I was coaching his team. He told me that they need to learn the game situation for themselves, and that included knowing how many outs there were. Point taken. After that, it didn't matter if I was working 8U or adult ball, I let the coaching/teaching get done (or not done, as the case may be) by those appointed to coach.

As a professional educator, trust me, I know how muddy the waters can get when there are too many people trying to ford the stream. Let the coaches coach. That is not, at any level, our job.