From
the CSLL Chief Umpire
February 2009
My name is Steve Strausser and I am the new Chief Umpire for
Central Springfield Little League (CSLL).
I would like to congratulate you on your selection as a manager in our
great league. I truly believe you have
the hardest job in Little League.
Rule 1.01 states "Little League baseball in all
divisions is a game". Please treat it as such. We all volunteer
our time to give the kids a chance to learn fundamentals, sportsmanship,
teamwork, and to have fun. Please do not
put winning as your main priority.
The umpires are all volunteers, just like you. Many of them have limited training other than
the five sessions our league offers. We WILL
make mistakes, forget rules, be out of position, and do other things that will
undoubtedly drive YOU and your PARENTS crazy. It happens in all levels of baseball and it
will happen in CSLL. My advice: take a
deep breath, relax, and move on. Additionally,
constantly remind your parents of the same.
I strongly believe that if we can control the parents, the CSLL
experience will be a much more positive one.
This is on area I really need your help.
For what it is worth, here are my thoughts on how you and I can
help make CSLL baseball a more pleasant experience:
1. If you must talk to an umpire about a call,
call time, show restraint, especially with the Junior
umpires. Some of these young ladies and gentlemen are already nervous going
onto the field in front of people just looking for them to make a mistake. When they have an adult yelling at them, it
will only make things worse. We can’t
afford to keep losing umpires at the current rate. Protect these children, especially from your
parents.
2. Set a good example for your players and
parents. If you complain loudly, it gives
everyone the impression that it's okay. Control
your coaches also.
3. Safety should always be a priority. Please follow the rules.
4. Managers, coaches, older siblings, parents,
etc. are not allowed to warm up pitchers at anytime.
5. Cell phones, walkie
talkies, blackberries etc, are not allowed to be used on the field.
6. Control your parents. If you hear one of your dads / moms harassing
or bullying an umpire, please ask them to ease up. You should be in charge of your team
(players, coaches and parents).
7. Seek
me out. If something happens that
requires my attention, let me know right away. I want positive, constructive criticism so I
can continue to teach the umpires.
8.
The CSLL Board
of Directors (BoD) has voted the following for the
2009 Spring season:
a.
A position of
Team Umpire. Each Manager at the TB-1,
ML-1 and ML-2 (A, AA,
b. The manager and coaches for each team
will umpire a minimum of two regular season games at the AA or A levels. This is where I need a lot of help. Yes, it is more fun to be at the
c. Tightened and modified CSLL Policy #12 increasing the
penalties for misconduct during games or other CSLL activities. Please refer to the CSLL website for
specifics.
d.
Put into place a
new policy in an increasing effort to stop umpire abuse. CSLL Policy 18 Harassment of Umpires by Managers, Coaches and Parents provides
for corrective action in the event tthis becomes an
issue. Umpire harassment has no benefit
to anyone associated with CSLL.
Harassment creates a hostile, confrontational atmosphere that has no
place in a children’s game. Umpire
harassment is repetitive berating, belittling or harassing comments made as a
result of a call or situation directed toward the umpire in a manner meant to
intimidate. At the basic level it is
bullying. In an effort to empower the umpires to address this negative activity
and gain immediate relief the BoD has established a
Team Unsportsmanship Conduct Warning. This will be given to the Team Manager by the
Division VP on recommendation of umpire affected. Please refer to the CSLL website for
specifics.
Local rules training will be held
I have a website, http://www.eteamz.com/csumps, with some info
under the “Handouts” link to help you as well as a link to my email. If you
have questions, feel free to contact me.
Enjoy the season and thanks in advance
for your support!