Where have all the officials gone?

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Jul 16, 2013
4,659
113
Pennsylvania
I have been thinking about things to do once DDs playing days are over. Initially I thought I may look for a job as a high school coach. But as an assistant for the last couple of years, I have seen the treatment the varsity coach receives from the parents. I checked that off my list. Now I am contemplating becoming an umpire. But that obviously includes much of the same. It's really a shame. I enjoy softball and would like to stay active in it. But I am not sure it is worth it.

My personal thanks to all those umpires out there. As a coach, I appreciate what you do!
 
Sep 14, 2011
768
18
Glendale, AZ
I have been thinking about things to do once DDs playing days are over. Initially I thought I may look for a job as a high school coach. But as an assistant for the last couple of years, I have seen the treatment the varsity coach receives from the parents. I checked that off my list. Now I am contemplating becoming an umpire. But that obviously includes much of the same. It's really a shame. I enjoy softball and would like to stay active in it. But I am not sure it is worth it.

My personal thanks to all those umpires out there. As a coach, I appreciate what you do!

I would encourage you to try it as an umpire, but I would also encourage you to give it an honest effort by learning and understanding the rules and mechanics of being an umpire. It won't just happen because you have been around the game and have been a coach. It certainly helps that you have a good foundation, but that will not automatically mean you will be a good umpire.

In my experience, the better you are as an umpire, the less grief you will get. There will still be the close judgement calls that 50% of the people won't like, but there is really nothing you can do about that. If you hustle, know the rules and how to apply them, are approachable and not act like a power hungry jerk on the field, you should be OK.
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
We play with 1 umpire, just a money thing. Most the umpires never leave from behind home plate, a couple of them are all over the field. I go out of my way to thank them.
 

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