The umpire currently assigned to officiate 6U games at Hope Mills Municipal Field #5 is hereby requested to be removed from all future 6U game assignments.

Upon information and belief, the umpire’s name is Michael (photograph attached for identification purposes). On Wednesday, April 15, Michael officiated the 6:00 p.m. 6U game between the Danes and the Kings. During the course of that game, several concerns arose regarding his performance and conduct.

Specifically, Michael demonstrated an apparent lack of familiarity with both 6U and 8U league rules, resulting in inconsistent application and mid-game alterations of rules. This created confusion among players, coaches, and spectators. Additionally, his interactions with coaches and parents were, at times, argumentative and unprofessional.

It is further alleged that Michael failed to provide appropriate warnings for initial rule infractions, instead issuing immediate penalties, including outs, in situations that appeared inconsistent with standard 6U practices. These actions caused unnecessary embarrassment to young players.

Efforts by coaches to address these concerns during the game were reportedly met with resistance, and Michael was described as unapproachable. Notably, a coach was ejected within the first 20 minutes of play after expressing that a warning should precede an adverse call, raising additional concerns regarding judgment and game management.

Given the age group involved—players approximately five and six years old—there is an expectation that officiating be conducted with patience, clarity, and an emphasis on instruction. It is alleged that Michael’s conduct did not meet these expectations and was overly rigid for this level of play.

As a result, the Hope Mills 6U Kings team, along with their parents, have collectively expressed that they will forfeit any future game officiated by Michael, as they do not wish to participate under his officiating.

This document serves as a formal petition, supported by multiple parents, requesting that Michael be removed from all future 6U game assignments.