Why youth umpires are scarce

Wanna job!

Actually, your point is super! One thing you can count on at almost every youth baseball game is, everyone from the scorekeeper to the players, and from the coaches to the fans are asking, "What did s/he call that pitch?"

My favorites as a SK are the ones who make some kind of sound for a strike and nothing for a ball. that means I can do other things instead of watching every single pitch and then having to figure out what went on.

My favorites as a spectator are the ones who indicate hi, lo, in, out along with the sound.

I love to see blues who put a little expression in their calls! IMO, a nice loud "HUUHEEE", or "AIIEEEEE" with a little bit of emphasis with the arm and maybe even some other body language adds to the entertainment and enjoyment of the game.

I think it gives most people the feeling that the ump really likes what s/he's doin' and is havin' fun! Fun is an infectious thing just like ire. I'm not talkin' Frank Drebben actions, but a little enthusiasm keeps everyone "in the game".

I like talking to the blues before, during and after games. when you do get to know them a little bit, you find out that most of them are real fans of the game and with their view of what's going on, get to see plays as no one else.

Most also seem to get just as excited and show a real appreciation for good play on the field. What's nice is, most of them get to just appreciate good play for what it is because they don't care who made it.