A recent discussion in another thread here; http://www.discussfastpitch.com/softball-rules-questions/28266-interference.html prompted me to make a post for those that weren't aware.
It's true that parents are recruited to call LL softball (and baseball games) and this is often viewed as a negative against the organization and perhaps another reason why "I'd rather have my kid playing tournament/select/travel ball because it's better 'quality'".
But its also the amazing thing about LL that so much volunteering allows so much softball and baseball to happen - - and for only $200-$300 per kid.
The parent umpire is only at the local/community level.
Once All Star play begins, no more parent volunteers. Actually all umpires are always volunteers--one of the trademarks of the LL organization--but we are only "invited" to officiate games based on competency and performance.
After the regular season the quality of umpiring excels from the District to State to Regional to the World Series finale.
I would put up District or State LL umpires against the best District or State umpires from any other Association.
It's true that parents are recruited to call LL softball (and baseball games) and this is often viewed as a negative against the organization and perhaps another reason why "I'd rather have my kid playing tournament/select/travel ball because it's better 'quality'".
But its also the amazing thing about LL that so much volunteering allows so much softball and baseball to happen - - and for only $200-$300 per kid.
The parent umpire is only at the local/community level.
Once All Star play begins, no more parent volunteers. Actually all umpires are always volunteers--one of the trademarks of the LL organization--but we are only "invited" to officiate games based on competency and performance.
After the regular season the quality of umpiring excels from the District to State to Regional to the World Series finale.
I would put up District or State LL umpires against the best District or State umpires from any other Association.
