I had stated my opinions on why basketball is more difficult/demanding than baseball on the basketball board and was asked to check this thread out. None of the arguments here have changed my mind any.

I understand that there are definetely challenges to umping a baseball game but I don't believe they are anywhere near as challenging as a basketball game.

Reasoning why I believe this:
1) Conditioning - Basketball, you must be in good physical condition to officiate at a high level. Baseball, it helps to be in good physical condtion but people that aren't in shape can ump at a high level as well(See Comments about MLB umpires).

2) Decisions made on calls - Basketball, you have a split second to make the decision about whether to make a call or pass on it. Baseball, as was stated previously you can wait until the play is completely over(majority of the time) to make your call.

3) Contact between participants - Basketball, there are 10 players on the floor that can be making contact with each other at any point during the game. Meaning that as well as paying attention to the action around the ball you also have to pay attention off ball. Baseball, there are more players on each team but the majority of the action that needs to be watched by the ump is on the ball meaning that you are usually dealing with only a handful of players at any specific time.

I'm sure there are other instances where I could say that basketball is more difficult or demanding but I think these are pretty good points.

Also guys that do baseball, I have done baseball before and I am not saying that it isn't a difficult or demanding sport to officiate. I just believe that basketball is much more difficult.