I've looked into giving a friendly in the city where we practice and where I live. Both Where similar in how the fee structures were for teams to rent fields for a day. At Ayala Park in Chino it's 25 dollars a field plus an 50 an hour admin fee. Then of course you have to add that park on your insurance(about 35.00) not much and if you need lights it's 14 dollars an hour.
Corona is 40 dollars a field, ten dollars an hour for lights, no admin fee. (plus insurance additions)
It's the reason why my team has never given a friendly where we actually practice or play. (we've only given two in Fontana it's hard work!) Do you think cost of the field could factor in why they charge both teams for an ump? For us Fontana was the most travel ball friendly City. Field rental for the day runs close to 600.00.(with everything included)
With teams that drop at the last moment,( don't you hate that?) or not filling your schedule. You are still responsible for those fees upfront. If you've ever given a friendly you understand what I mean. I think I rather sell candy than host a friendly sometimes. It's nerve racking.
I've always wondered how people were able to get so many fields. The cost of renting a field in my area is staggering.
I'm just a 12u team, but the budget is always a concern. I've been in travel since 2000. It's been the same way forever, not saying it's right but it hasn't changed. It doesn't bother me that much at a friendly to have one ump at 12u, but at a tournament I expect to have 2 umpires. It's not a learning moment anymore
My 12u team will probably not host another friendly for a long time, we're still traumatized from the fall lol. Our 14u Core team is still brave enough to host.
This is just my humble opinion, I thought I throw it out there about cost of running a friendly unless you get free fields. If you do Call me!
Michelle Carter
Corona Angels 04