Shortage of Umpires

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Nov 9, 2019
56
8
Was informed today about noon that State tournament at Tulsa Ok is canceld for lack of umpires. At about that time 58 teams started scrambling looking for some place to play. We were lucky and found a spot, but can't fathom how TD didn't know sooner than that they had not nearly enough umpires. Would think that umpires would be booked for a State Tournament weeks in advance.
 
Jun 26, 2019
256
43
With the timing for our seasons in Mn summer ball for the younger kids starts soon after the regular school ball season is done, summer ball for the 10u and 12u teams was pushed back a week because of a shortage of umpires during the early postseason.
 
Nov 9, 2019
56
8
Kind of incredible that a "shortage" would cause a complete cancellation vs a reduction in the number of teams participating.
Yes. Blew my mind. Was told state director and national agreed to allow any players affected to pickup with other teams if they wished even at this late date, even other state tournaments.
 
May 29, 2015
3,731
113
Was informed today about noon that State tournament at Tulsa Ok is canceld for lack of umpires. At about that time 58 teams started scrambling looking for some place to play. We were lucky and found a spot, but can't fathom how TD didn't know sooner than that they had not nearly enough umpires. Would think that umpires would be booked for a State Tournament weeks in advance.

I absolutely believe the tournament director didn't know. At least in my experience, I have never heard of a tournament director (outside of something small) hiring umpires. I have always gotten those games from an assignor or UIC who was contracted to take care of it.

Typically, the TD is changing teams and trying to squeeze in more registrations, so the UIC does not get a good schedule until a few days before. Without that, the UIC is left in a bit of a pickle not knowing how many umpires he needs for how many games.

Can I ask what sanctioning body? I am amazed they would let an actual state tournament be canceled rather than "importing" umpires. While I can absolutely believe a shortage could cause some caps or game reductions, I cannot see a total cancellation. I'm betting something else was going on. Then again, cheapskates be cheapskates.
 
Mar 1, 2013
396
43
There is an all around shortage of youth sports officials. Many seasoned umps are getting out due to age, health, etc. and very few young people are taking their place. I won’t get into the reasons but one of the common ones is the way umps/refs are treated. Many feel it’s not worth it. That is an entirely different thread and has been beaten to death here.

I know I got a last minute call last weekend to pick up games at a tournament due to a lack of available umps and there was one this weekend where I know they were scrambling to get enough games covered. It’s like this all over.
 

radness

Possibilities & Opportunities!
Dec 13, 2019
7,270
113
*How people are treating eachother.

Get it, this is a softball forum,
umpires are part of 👍

However they are not set apart from all the others trying to work their jobs
(all sorts of jobs)
where the employee takes an undue amount of junk from the 'guests' (the public) in~
Stores
Restraunts
Retail Shops
the list goes on
Teachers
Healthcare
Police
Customer service
& Coaches non paid at that!
.
.

Harsh as this may sound
The grass may not be greener over there 👉👉👉👉👉
 
Dec 15, 2018
809
93
CT
*How people are treating eachother.

Get it, this is a softball forum,
umpires are part of 👍

However they are not set apart from all the others trying to work their jobs
(all sorts of jobs)
where the employee takes an undue amount of junk from the 'guests' (the public) in~
Stores
Restraunts
Retail Shops
the list goes on
Teachers
Healthcare
Police
Customer service
& Coaches non paid at that!
.
.

Harsh as this may sound
The grass may not be greener over there 👉👉👉👉👉

Agreed. Umps are service workers, who are increasingly treated like garbage. Living in a time where people assault flight attendants, waiters, etc….craziness
 

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