In the baseball world, every position puts one under the spotlight. Be it a player on the field, someone in the front office, or an umpire – no job comes easy. When a sport is made public, the world has the right to judge the performance of every individual in the action. But who gets to decide when something goes too far?

At the Major League Baseball level, one can easily expect professionals of the highest degree and put trust in their abilities. But at the Little League level, not everyone is comfortable with what gets decided. Umpires, especially, have to face criticism that is sometimes uncalled for. In recent years, there has been an increased amount of objection against what an umpire does. The debate about who is right or wrong is still ongoing.

To combat that problem, a Little League in New Jersey just introduced a new rule, but not everyone is happy.

Deptford Township Little League will make unruly parents umpire the game

There’s a difference between being a doting parent and an obsessive one. After all, who gets to draw the line between what counts as caring and what doesn’t? When they take their kids to a Little League Game, it’s understandable for parents to want their kids to win. In their enthusiasm, sometimes they mistreat umpires.

“They think that the call was bad, which always amazes me that they can see a strike better over there than the umpire can one foot in back of them,” said league president Don Bozzuffi. After two volunteers quit, the league decided to take serious action.

READ MORE – How Much Do MLB Umpires Make?

Now, a new rule states that if a parent argues with an umpire over a call, they will have to judge the games themselves. Three tournaments are the minimum requirement for them to be allowed back as spectators. The parents that think they can do a better job get a chance to prove it. But as Bozzuffi said, “The main purpose is not for them to be able to call a baseball game, but for them to see what’s going on out here and it’s not that easy.” 

Baseball fans are not happy with how this is playing out

When Talkin’ Baseball announced the news on Twitter, fans stood divided. Some were vehemently against the new rule and thought the kids deserved better.

Some thought it might be a good learning experience for the parents.

One thought even MLB could do with a rule like this!

Some think the rue might come to bite them back if implemented because people will deliberately fight with ups just to get a moment on the field.

What do you think about this bizarre new rule? Tell us in the comments below!

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