I cannot even justify asking for another catcher, this is way more 'coaching the team' than anything I might say to a player (and that is walking a fine line even at a lower level of ball). If you can't deal with getting hit by a pitch, then you:I don't have a problem as an umpire with asking the team if there is another option to play catcher. There isn't any reason I should have to get beat up while they try out a catcher; that's what practice is for. However, I'm never going to threaten consequences and if there is no other option then I'm just going to call the game and hide behind the catcher the best I can.
a) need gear appropriate to the level of ball you are working
b) need to learn to stay front-on to the pitch and let the gear you do have work the way it is designed
c) need to officiate tiddly-winks or jacks.
Sorry if I am sounding cranky on this point, but dealing with getting our 'badges of honor' is part of what we sign up for when we take game assignments and the paycheck that goes with it.