Quitting already?

[GunnerShotgun]

My DD's middle school game is currently being umped by one of the assistant coaches...

They should make parents umpire if they can't find any. Make players umpire other games in tournament play.

 

[Greatdaytobeawildcat]

They should make parents umpire if they can't find any. Make players umpire other games in tournament play.

Correction coming in over text...it's actually a dad (of the host team) wearing extra catcher's gear (behind the plate). So far he's called pretty much everything a strike according to my wife, including things head level.

Unfortunately I couldn't get out of work to be there, or I would have offered...

 

[El Oso]

It is becoming clear that somehow you think officiating is easy in some way or that the umpires are just complaining without any real reason?

Hell, one of your own, a fellow ump, in this very thread just said -

1-Its not as hard as you think to umpire a game. Most games are simple, balls/strikes, safe/ out on base.

I know a lot of umps. Heck one of the girls on my DD's team (whose Dad is an ump) umpires games. She's been doing it since she was 14. If a 14 year old can do it, it isn't a $100-200/hr job!!! Sorry, It's an easy gig.

 

[radness]

I have umpired.
Have also had several jobs that were much harder.
And more disgusting like State Park maintenance at the beach.
As I have brought up Starbucks before can encounter crappy people one after another can be crappy.
And it is a one-on-one experience with somebody you cannot back lip at
Before they even announce their order they're already in a crappy mood. You don't get to say what you'd like to say in those moments.
I have heard stories were some crappy customers got decaf instead of regular just stories I heard...

Developing a thicker skin is a skill set. But you have to go through situations to develop it. Much like grounders sometimes you get a bruise and sometimes you get the ball.

 

[Dabears17]

Hell, one of your own, a fellow ump, in this very thread just said -

1-Its not as hard as you think to umpire a game. Most games are simple, balls/strikes, safe/ out on base.

I know a lot of umps. Heck one of the girls on my DD's team (whose Dad is an ump) umpires games. She's been doing it since she was 14. If a 14 year old can do it, it isn't a $100-200/hr job!!! Sorry, It's an easy gig.

And my DD, who was correctly answering rules questions at umpire training when she was 7, quit umpiring after her first game as a 15 year old. In a 10u rec game, parents from one team groaned and complained about two of her calls on the bases and she didn't want to do it anymore. I was watching the game. One call from my angle was 100pct correct. The other call when I was standing near the parents that complained looked questionable from 90-100 feet away, but when I asked her what she saw from 15 feet away was correct.

Broke my heart because my DD has been watching softball since she was 4 weeks old, is a good catcher and decent pitcher, would of become an excellent umpire with a little grace and a couple more games under her belt. There were two "close" calls that went against the other team and they didn't groan or complain.

 

[El Oso]

And my DD, who was correctly answering rules questions at umpire training when she was 7, quit umpiring after her first game as a 15 year old. In a 10u rec game, parents from one team groaned and complained about two of her calls on the bases and she didn't want to do it anymore. I was watching the game. One call from my angle was 100pct correct. The other call when I was standing near the parents that complained looked questionable from 90-100 feet away, but when I asked her what she saw from 15 feet away was correct.

Broke my heart because my DD has been watching softball since she was 4 weeks old, is a good catcher and decent pitcher, would of become an excellent umpire with a little grace and a couple more games under her belt. There were two "close" calls that went against the other team and they didn't groan or complain.

No doubt that Umpiring is not for everyone. Need thick skin and the ability to not take things personally. Same with retail workers. Same with being a cop. Same with.............well you get the picture. It's not all rainbows and unicorns out there when dealing with the public. Keep that in mind when selecting what you or your loved ones select to do for a job. Make sure everyone is mentally prepared for what they might have to face, whether it is warranted or not.

 

[Dabears17]

No doubt that Umpiring is not for everyone. Need thick skin and the ability to not take things personally. Same with retail workers. Same with being a cop. Same with.............well you get the picture. It's not all rainbows and unicorns out there when dealing with the public. Keep that in mind when selecting what you or your loved ones select to do for a job. Make sure everyone is mentally prepared for what they might have to face, whether it is warranted or not.

She's been working retail for 3 years (well 9 month break because of Covid) since her freshman year of high school. She's dealt with difficult customers. Hasn't had 6 parents complaining about something she got right her first day on the job. She also makes more per hour in her retail job than she did as an umpire.

 

[El Oso]

She's dealt with difficult customers. Hasn't had 6 parents complaining about something she got right her first day on the job.

Curious - What's the difference?

 

[flash277]

Hell, one of your own, a fellow ump, in this very thread just said -

1-Its not as hard as you think to umpire a game. Most games are simple, balls/strikes, safe/ out on base.

I know a lot of umps. Heck one of the girls on my DD's team (whose Dad is an ump) umpires games. She's been doing it since she was 14. If a 14 year old can do it, it isn't a $100-200/hr job!!! Sorry, It's an easy gig.

Hmmm, maybe I’m just good at it….

 

[El Oso]

Hmmm, maybe I’m just good at it….

I think you’re onto something!