I must say that attending a Pro school is a prerequisite for umping Pro ball, but there are a lot of people who go that don't get hired (they took 17 out of my class of 215). The majority of those who didn't get hired never regretted going, however, for several reasons. First, it made you an umpire. Second, it opened a LOT of amateur doors that would never have been opened otherwise. Third, it gave folks a lot of contacts around the country. Fourth, it will give y0our local association - and the other umpires you work with - insight into what the schools teach. Folks will be able to pick your brain. Every college within 100 miles of where I lived gave me a shot when I told them I'd been to umpire school. I must have paid attention in class, because they've kept hiring me. Go, learn, enjoy, then come home and have at it!
