We are just kicking off again here in Texas. I have
3 tournaments in September, 2 in November, and 3 in
December. Even have two in January. Don't a lot of
you blues on this board use indoor fields? We don't,
but season never really closes. We do lose most of
the 16-18's because HS coaches don't want'em playing
and getting hurt. However, do have two show case type
tournaments included in the above schedule.

I know Mike, softball should not be played year around.
NFHS starts in Feburary, so really no slow down period.

glen

Pappa Glen,

Not sure if I could go year round!!!!! Need to play golf sone time LOL.

I am basically done until March>>>>>

This is correct. I believe that softball should be a seasonal sport, especially when refering to children. Not only do the umpires need a break to enjoy their life and families, but many officiate other sports. The same opportunity should be given to the boys and girls who play J.O. ball. Let them be kids and enjoy the things we did as children.

That's part of the problem with some kids today, they have no life, but a softball field, school, mall and computer.

JMHO,

<i>Originally posted by Mike Rowe</i>

__________________________________________________ _

<b>That's part of the problem with some kids today, they have no life, but a softball field, school, mall and computer.</b>

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:D What else is there?

Just funning Mike.

glen

I'm done except for some college fall ball. I'll get to work some college scrimmages indoors beginning in January - several of the D1 schools have indoor fields and the local D2 school takes over one of the gyms.

Steve M

Here in AZ, I am in the same boat as Glen. Not much has happened since the first week of August.

Two rec leagues and a city Fall league start up this weekend, couple of tournamemts in Sept, Oct, and one each in Nov and early Dec. Two college exposure type touraments in Oct and some Jr College scrimmages.

I also do volleyball, but that is mostly during the week and softball is on the weekends.

I kind of like the fact that I can go year round - never feel like I get "rusty"!

We still have 4 more weekends of fall ball.

There is a small dome-ball season after that, but I don't know if I want to be involved. We'll see.

Our season here in Southeastern PA was over for fastpitch a couple weeks now.I believe slow pitch is into their fall ball season,but I only umpire fastpitch.My season starts with College Div III games in mid to late March with the High School Varsity schedule beginning the last week of March until late May finishing with the District Playoffs.I do the J.O.girls ASA programs and tournaments through July.I am also fortunate and honored to do the ASA Major Womens Games in my area.Teams like nationally accliamed Stratford Brakettes from Connecticut come down to play the Topton VIP's in their July 4th tournament.That is really super ball with many fine NCAA Div I players.I also had a once in a lifetime opportunity this season when the Dominican Republic National Womens Team came to play the Topton VIP's during their East coast tour in July.Both teams exchanged gifts prior to the game,and the playing of both National Anthems was quite moving.It was an umpiring experience I will long remember.Now I am ready to rest until next year by playing some golf and watching football.

Jeff

I also only umpire fast pitch, but our JO program has a low-key fall season. It's much less intense than the July tournaments. The coaches use it for player development, players use it to try out a new position, etc. It's a lot of fun.

Tom: That sounds like a great program for the kids.It is nice to just see them play for fun without all the tournament pressure.It probably is a pleasant change of pace for an umpire as well.

Jeff

[QUOTE]Originally posted by IRISHMAFIA

Quote:

Not only do the umpires need a break to enjoy their life and families, but many officiate other sports.

But...but...I have had a whole month and a half off. I am ready for the start of the fall season, which like Glen will take me through to at least December. (We do actually get a slight taste of cold weather here in the northern climes of Texas.) I usually have January off, and then start it all over again with NFHS in Feb.

As for kids, my daughter used to beg to play fall ball. Even with volleyball and basketball taking up a huge amount of her time, I would always cave in because, IMO, it is better to be out somewhere being physical and getting exercise and participating in something you enjoy, than to be planted in front of a television, sitting on the phone, or staring blankly at some IM on a computer screen.

Besides, she doesn't seem too handicapped as an adult from her "warped" upbringing! :D

Compared with who - her dad??? http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung...lie/cowboy.gif http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung...smilie/kid.gif

It's great for the umpires! Almost a throwback to sandlot. If a team shows up short-handed, players will switch sides so they can play a game. Players have even been known to switch and play for a different team for the entire fall season, just for the experience of it.

Only problem is - here the fall season is too short. We're all done by the end of Sept.

Tom,

Be nice, Scott seems like a nice <b>TEXAN</b>.

glen

As if there is such a thing!!!!!!!!!!!