High School Officials

[Fryowa]

My old lady's parents in Japan live less than 100m away from a middle school that houses a field they use for baseball. Probably 12-14 year old kids. Whenever I visit, I have jet lag and am up super early. Every morning other than Sunday the kids who play baseball are out in the neighborhood picking up trash and sweeping the streets near the school at 6 AM sharp. When they have games, the only discernible speech from parents and the kids watching is the Japanese word for "come on, let's go." Nothing else. No one, absolutely no one, would question the authority of the guy umping the game.

The utter lack of respect some of these shitbirds in this video show is just unreal. I don't know how in the hell our country has turned into such monsters. My boy's gonna spend his summers in Japan and I hope some of their respect rubs off on him because if he grows up to be like any of the assholes in that video, I will consider myself a colossal failure.

I think part of the issue in baseball is that umpires have always been looked at as the third team rather than a judge that you have to respect.

I'll admit when I see Earl Weaver go nuclear on Youtube back in the 70s it makes me giggle. But there's a difference between heckling and being a disgusting piece of shit...people confuse the two now.

Yelling come on blue, or ribbing a guy about his strike zone is one thing, and it's actually expected, but taking it to up 5 levels isn't cool.

 

[Fryowa]

I'm going to recommend to my boys when they are old enough to do it.

I know your boys probably play baseball so they don't have a lot of time for this, but when they get to the age they can work games, and if they have interest, here's what I'd recommend to my own son...

Find as many varsity games to watch as possible, and spend the entire game doing nothing but watching the umpires. There is soooo much going on that people don't see that is very, very beneficial. Most folks don't know umpires have hand signals (let alone what they are), where/when umpires move, areas of responsibility, etc. You can gain a ton right off the bat by just watching veteran umpires work.

Don't pay any attention to the game itself other than the count, etc...do nothing but observe the umps. Maybe try it yourself as a parent, it's pretty eye-opening.

Also, just FYI, but as of this year, high school students are now eligible to officiate sub-varsity and middle school contests in Iowa. Once they hit high school they can always start off with some middle school games in the morning and still play ball at night for their team.

 

[MelroseHawkins]

Two years ago my boys played in a USSSA 11U tournament at Lowe's Park in Marion. One umpire got sent home at 10:00 a.m. the 2nd day (Sunday morning). My wife asks, did you hear what happened to the one umpire? I'm like no, what? One umpire apparently was found drunk during the game he was behind the plate at 9:30a.m. and let go. He had his Gatorade bottle that was sitting along the fence spiked with some kind of alcohol so was drinking during his game.

I clearly remember a guy I suspected of being drunk while umping a year or two before that. It could very well be the same guy though.

 

[MelroseHawkins]

I know your boys probably play baseball so they don't have a lot of time for this, but when they get to the age they can work games, and if they have interest, here's what I'd recommend to my own son...

Find as many varsity games to watch as possible, and spend the entire game doing nothing but watching the umpires. There is soooo much going on that people don't see that is very, very beneficial. Most folks don't know umpires have hand signals (let alone what they are), where/when umpires move, areas of responsibility, etc. You can gain a ton right off the bat by just watching veteran umpires work.

Don't pay any attention to the game itself other than the count, etc...do nothing but observe the umps. Maybe try it yourself as a parent, it's pretty eye-opening.

Also, just FYI, but as of this year, high school students are now eligible to officiate sub-varsity and middle school contests in Iowa. Once they hit high school they can always start off with some middle school games in the morning and still play ball at night for their team.

Great advice. Thanks.

 

[okeefe4prez]

I think part of the issue in baseball is that umpires have always been looked at as the third team rather than a judge that you have to respect.

I'll admit when I see Earl Weaver go nuclear on Youtube back in the 70s it makes me giggle. But there's a difference between heckling and being a disgusting piece of shit...people confuse the two now.

Yelling come on blue, or ribbing a guy about his strike zone is one thing, and it's actually expected, but taking it to up 5 levels isn't cool.

Yeah, I get it. And that's totally cool if you're at a game where a guy is getting paid a fair amount to be there, but not at a freaking kids game. The difference in sportsmanship between Japan and the US is really insane. My wife hates going to sports games in the US because she thinks there is no circumstance under which it is appropriate to ever boo or yell obscenities at someone over a game. She was shocked at the behavior she saw the first time we went to a Cubs game.

 

[JRD90]

It's sad that games are starting to get cancelled due to a lack of officials. And the reason is because of the "adults". Parents are the worst because they are all helicopter parents who can't believe little Johnny is losing so they must blame the officials, and they believe there is a Division 1 scholarship waiting for their kid and one bad call from an official may jeopardize that dream.

The coaches aren't much better because they see Fran, Izzo, Crean, etc. all screaming and yelling over every call like jackasses and think that is what they are supposed to do too.

I think what should be done before each game, is similar to having the player captains come out for coin flip, etc., each team/school should designate 1 fan captain (principal, AD, teacher, parent,etc.) who comes out to get instructions from the officials, and who is responsible for fan behavior. If officials feel a member of the crowd is being over the top abusive, the official goes to the fan captain and the fan captain has to deal with that fan. If that doesn't work, the officials start issuing penalties, technicals, etc, up to forfeiting the game.

At some point fans will have to start policing each other unless they want their school/team to lose or forfeit games.

 

[BVHawk95]

Obviously don't want to get in a pissing match, but it goes both ways for sure. There are just as many hack coaches as umpires (or any officials). I've coached varsity ball, and I always tell people (and still believe) that to be hired as a high chool coach, the person should have to pass the rules test and officiate a minimum of 15 varsity level contests in that sport. There are states that are considering that.

Coaches can get a certificate and get hired to coach a sport with zero knowledge of the rules, yet we hold moonlighting officials with full-time jobs to the fire...there's a double standard there.

I will also go on record as saying I will--for free--set a prospective coach up with enough gear to ump for a year and even get them games. And not bare minimum, either. You will look like Joe fuckin' West out there.

That's how strongly I feel about it.

Y'know, I actually really like that proposal. I will say that one of my biggest struggles in my first year of coaching was readjusting to the HS rules/referees compared to the ones I had in college.

 

[BVHawk95]

It's sad that games are starting to get cancelled due to a lack of officials. And the reason is because of the "adults". Parents are the worst because they are all helicopter parents who can't believe little Johnny is losing so they must blame the officials, and they believe there is a Division 1 scholarship waiting for their kid and one bad call from an official may jeopardize that dream.

The coaches aren't much better because they see Fran, Izzo, Crean, etc. all screaming and yelling over every call like jackasses and think that is what they are supposed to do too.

I think what should be done before each game, is similar to having the player captains come out for coin flip, etc., each team/school should designate 1 fan captain (principal, AD, teacher, parent,etc.) who comes out to get instructions from the officials, and who is responsible for fan behavior. If officials feel a member of the crowd is being over the top abusive, the official goes to the fan captain and the fan captain has to deal with that fan. If that doesn't work, the officials start issuing penalties, technicals, etc, up to forfeiting the game.

At some point fans will have to start policing each other unless they want their school/team to lose or forfeit games.

This is another huge factor. Parents have gotten worse over the years, and it was a problem for us this year. We had 3 officiating crews tell us that the fans need to cool it, both towards them, and us as a coaching staff. We had 1 parent kicked out of a game and barred from the next one for trying to force the coach to get his son in the game. We had another parent act like an absolute monster at one game, dropping F-bombs and shouting the entire time, to the point that the coach's wife (and mother of the QB) had to go down by the fence because she was so upset with some of the things that were being said. It culminated with our HC, who'd been doing it for 30+ years and had jobs all over the state, stepping down at the end of the year. I'm certainly glad I don't have kids or a spouse to listen to that stuff yet, because I would no doubt have gone off on the parents.

 

[okeefe4prez]

This is another huge factor. Parents have gotten worse over the years, and it was a problem for us this year. We had 3 officiating crews tell us that the fans need to cool it, both towards them, and us as a coaching staff. We had 1 parent kicked out of a game and barred from the next one for trying to force the coach to get his son in the game. We had another parent act like an absolute monster at one game, dropping F-bombs and shouting the entire time, to the point that the coach's wife (and mother of the QB) had to go down by the fence because she was so upset with some of the things that were being said. It culminated with our HC, who'd been doing it for 30+ years and had jobs all over the state, stepping down at the end of the year. I'm certainly glad I don't have kids or a spouse to listen to that stuff yet, because I would no doubt have gone off on the parents.

I know the media likes to make up stories connecting some sort of "loss of civility" to the President's tweets or something, but it seems to me like a huge factor is these "reality" TV shows. They seem to incentivize or glamorize people being the biggest assholes possible. I guess no one wants to watch some "housewives" going to a restaurant, having the waiter mess up the order and then saying "that's okay, I will sit here patiently while you bring me the correct sandwich without mayo." Oh no, every interaction has to be a full scale blowup. Then proles see that and think it is proper to behave that way.

 

[Fryowa]

This is another huge factor. Parents have gotten worse over the years, and it was a problem for us this year. We had 3 officiating crews tell us that the fans need to cool it, both towards them, and us as a coaching staff. We had 1 parent kicked out of a game and barred from the next one for trying to force the coach to get his son in the game. We had another parent act like an absolute monster at one game, dropping F-bombs and shouting the entire time, to the point that the coach's wife (and mother of the QB) had to go down by the fence because she was so upset with some of the things that were being said. It culminated with our HC, who'd been doing it for 30+ years and had jobs all over the state, stepping down at the end of the year. I'm certainly glad I don't have kids or a spouse to listen to that stuff yet, because I would no doubt have gone off on the parents.

I'd be fine if they just barred all spectators. put a camera on top of the press box or backstop, and let parents watch on Facebook.

How close are your stands to the field? Ours are set far enough outside the track so coaches and refs can't really hear any jawing other than boos. I just looked on google maps and the closest that a spectator could get to the sidelines is 75 feet with our stands and fences where they are. South O'Brien in Paullina is crazy; fans are right on top of the field.

 

[Ree4]

I know the media likes to make up stories connecting some sort of "loss of civility" to the President's tweets or something, .

Make up? LOL. You realize the President was one of those Reality Stars you're talking about...




/Endpolitics

 

[westender]

This is another huge factor. Parents have gotten worse over the years, and it was a problem for us this year. We had 3 officiating crews tell us that the fans need to cool it, both towards them, and us as a coaching staff. We had 1 parent kicked out of a game and barred from the next one for trying to force the coach to get his son in the game. We had another parent act like an absolute monster at one game, dropping F-bombs and shouting the entire time, to the point that the coach's wife (and mother of the QB) had to go down by the fence because she was so upset with some of the things that were being said. It culminated with our HC, who'd been doing it for 30+ years and had jobs all over the state, stepping down at the end of the year. I'm certainly glad I don't have kids or a spouse to listen to that stuff yet, because I would no doubt have gone off on the parents.

School administration (beyond just the AD) should be at the higher attendance events and be visible and continually make it known that shitty behavior is not going to be tolerated.

 

[Fryowa]

School administration (beyond just the AD) should be at the higher attendance events and be visible and continually make it known that shitty behavior is not going to be tolerated.

They should, but some schools don’t do a good job of that. Sometimes the administration are the ones doing the shitty behavior. As I mentioned before, Tim Snyder is a total douche bag at games and he’s one of the people supposedly doing the policing. I feel no guilt calling the dude out because he’s a public employee and any one of you can come check it out sometime for yourselves; no one has to take my word for it. Brandon is just as bad while coaching, which is unfortunate because 1) I want to like Hawkeye players, and 2) I thought tossing his own college career away and getting voted off a team by his peers would’ve humbled him, but nope.

I do want to say though, that the majority of schools and games I’ve been a part of are a positive experience. I bitch about the bad stuff but we also have ADs and coaches who treat us like rockstars because they know it’s tough, there’s a shortage, and they want you to come back. Boyden-Hull/RV is a great example, they give free concessions, and when it’s hot as hell their head coach has freshman players bringing you ice cold Powerade or water faster than you can drink it. Last year when we had a couple weeks straight in the 100s I remember they had some under classmen players bring us wet towels between innings once which felt great in the wind. Little shit like that when you’re crusty with salt from sweating is just amazing. Other schools are just as good too, so I don’t want to give the impression that it’s a shit job. I wouldn’t do it if I thought it was. It’s just that the bad apples are really bad apples.

 

[BVHawk95]

I'd be fine if they just barred all spectators. put a camera on top of the press box or backstop, and let parents watch on Facebook.

How close are your stands to the field? Ours are set far enough outside the track so coaches and refs can't really hear any jawing other than boos. I just looked on google maps and the closest that a spectator could get to the sidelines is 75 feet with our stands and fences where they are. South O'Brien in Paullina is crazy; fans are right on top of the field.

Alta-Aurelia is like that as well, and the surrounding trees makes it even more claustrophobic. Our field isn't so cramped, but we have some loud voices in the crowd.

 

[BVHawk95]

School administration (beyond just the AD) should be at the higher attendance events and be visible and continually make it known that shitty behavior is not going to be tolerated.

We often do.

The latter incident I mentioned was a situation where for whatever reason the administrator couldn't make it, and the bad apples were able to get away with it. The administration apologized to us and watched that individual like a hawk the rest of the year. It's a shame, as their kid is an all-state player and a joy to coach, but the parent was convinced we were trying to sabotage him.

 

[Fryowa]

Alta-Aurelia is like that as well, and the surrounding trees makes it even more claustrophobic. Our field isn't so cramped, but we have some loud voices in the crowd.

For such a tiny little town, Aurelia has beautiful baseball and softball facilities. I don’t know who does their grounds keeping but goddamn. There are colleges that don’t play on as nice of fields.

 

[BVHawk95]

For such a tiny little town, Aurelia has beautiful baseball and softball facilities. I don’t know who does their grounds keeping but goddamn. There are colleges that don’t play on as nice of fields.

Yeah it was actually kind of neat outside of the aforementioned parent stuff.

I really like the students tailgating/hanging out and getting pumped up in that little roundabout on the South side of the field, and how the trees give it an almost enclosed, bowl aesthetic.

 

[Fryowa]

We often do.

The latter incident I mentioned was a situation where for whatever reason the administrator couldn't make it, and the bad apples were able to get away with it. The administration apologized to us and watched that individual like a hawk the rest of the year. It's a shame, as their kid is an all-state player and a joy to coach, but the parent was convinced we were trying to sabotage him.

The kid I mentioned that I tossed last year was actually on my hometown team where I still live (that I played my heart out for in high school 20 years ago), but it was actually an away game and his parents weren’t there. The kid’s mom has been on Facebook bashing me quite a few times. Really? I LIVE HERE, LADY! My friends are gonna relay your shit talking! Lol.

Parents are the fucking worst, dude.

 

[BVHawk95]

The kid I mentioned that I tossed last year was actually on my hometown team where I still live (that I played my heart out for in high school 20 years ago), but it was actually an away game and his parents weren’t there. The kid’s mom has been on Facebook bashing me quite a few times.

Parents are the fucking worst, dude.

Literally the exact same for us. She went on some tirade about how the coaches need to listen to the players and not "call the same 4 plays all game", but ended it with "but I'm not trying to criticize anyone!!!"

Bullshit. Don't piss in my face and tell me it's raining. She then later got butthurt about one of the coaches writing a vague tweet about how if it seemed so easy everyone would be doing it.

 

[HawkGold]

The real issue isn't parents. It's the pay or lack of it to put up with parents.

Why would you want to pay travel, give up time for less than 150 an hour where you also have to pay self employment tax and do all the paper work. If you want profesionals pay for it. Games have too much on the line.