There is a new trend with sports officials other than the decline in numbers because of parents and COVID.
The decline of knowledge and ability.
In the past (and it is fading fast to the past) that parents were the problem with youth sports. The goal to shame bad parents with signs, teams requiring good conduct contracts and peer pressure has worked. Covid can be blamed a bit for loosing some officials.
But not anymore.
I was interested in softball officiating. Not any more. I use to defend umps at softball games. Not any more. Umps use to be good. Not anymore.
This Fall Ball season has been ridiculous and bad.
Now the sport is just left with what is at the bottom of the ump barrel.
It is OK to demand that sports officials be competent.
The decline of knowledge and ability.
In the past (and it is fading fast to the past) that parents were the problem with youth sports. The goal to shame bad parents with signs, teams requiring good conduct contracts and peer pressure has worked. Covid can be blamed a bit for loosing some officials.
But not anymore.
I was interested in softball officiating. Not any more. I use to defend umps at softball games. Not any more. Umps use to be good. Not anymore.
This Fall Ball season has been ridiculous and bad.
Now the sport is just left with what is at the bottom of the ump barrel.
It is OK to demand that sports officials be competent.