SoutheasternOhioPreps.com

I agree about plucking fans out of the stands to ump. It is better than canceling games. It is an unfortunate situation.

I believe that schools can be punished for using non licensed umpires for JV and/or Varsity games. I've heard OHSAA punishments such as financial fines or even program being declared ineligible for postseason tournament. Not sure if OHSAA would have the guts to follow through with that, considering what's going on this year with lack of umps. But the sheer legal possibilities of a player getting hurt, etc. with unlicensed officials would keep most schools from pulling that trigger. Not that an umpire can get a player hurt, but if schools don't follow all protocols, they set themselves up for any litigation.

I find most umpires to be nauseating. It would be great if we could play games without them. The pomposity that most of them display is outrageous. But I get it, they are a necessary evil if we want to play ball.