All,

This might not be the correct forum to address this, but it needs attention. Our umpires work really hard to do a good job calling our park games. We need to be more diplomatic in the way we address them. Last season, we had a lot of veteran umpires who started refusing to come to our park because of the way the fans treated them during the games. We don't want that reputation again! As a park, let's refrain from making negative comments to our umpire crew. I'm sure they miss an occasional call, but most of the time we have a few parents/fans that argue EVERY close play that goes against their team. It gets bothersome for the umpires and for the other spectators when we continually blast an umpire. It creates a hostile atmosphere and it's not teaching our youth the right lessons. In the heat of battle, let's remember, our umpires are not there to ruin your kid’s season. They are there to call the game to the best of their abilities. Respect that, even if they miss a call in your opinion. If you feel strongly that we need better quality umpires, the District 8 Umpire Association is always taking applications.

Thanks,

d-

Darin,

I know you and the others have heard many complaints about the umpires and I just want to say, the guys that were officiating on my field last night were excelent. They told me there names (but of course I forgot them) and I wanted to say something to them but by the time I had a chance the next game had already started. Plate umpire was very consistant and field umpire made very good calls and was always in position to make them.