8U rules conundrum

[txtrooper]

Sounds like you did the right thing Mike. We always have umpires in our 6U and 8U divisions at my local association. I agree that it would serve the parents right to have them call these games and it would free up an umpire to work other games, although I believe it would be a nightmare for the league.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by txtrooper

Sounds like you did the right thing Mike. We always have umpires in our 6U and 8U divisions at my local association. I agree that it would serve the parents right to have them call these games and it would free up an umpire to work other games, although I believe it would be a nightmare for the league.

Which means they would be more appreciative of the umpires they do get.

[tcannizzo]

Back in 89-94 I was on the board of a local rec association.
Although it wasn't my idea, each year all of the coaches were required to attend a coaches meeting held by then-UIC for Metro Atlanta, Charlie Myers.

Charlie conducted an umpire clinic, and administered the current umpire test to all the coaches. At the end of the session, each coach received a green card.

Later, a particular basketball official offered a program called "PETS" Parents Educated in The Sport. A 90-minute clinic explaining rules and rulings with a "hand-book" as a takeaway.

Both of these were invaluable in providing parents, players and coaches with a much better understanding of what is going on during a game; end result much smoother for all involved including the officials.

I know many, including myself, who offer rules clinics for teams and leagues. Perhaps more resources like this should be made available through a commercial venture.

Of course, there is the flip side. A whole mob of people who can say "I used to umpire"

[Steve M]

Originally Posted by tcannizzo

Of course, there is the flip side. A whole mob of people who can say "I used to umpire"

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
I can think of a number of current uimpires who should be able to say this too.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by Steve M

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
I can think of a number of current uimpires who should be able to say this too.

Are you sure they ever really did?