mick.........
Our umpire association hosts an annual "Umpires Tournament". I believe that this was our 13-14th annual one this year.
We rotate between different cities that we umpire for and any procedes made above and beyond the cost of putting on the tournament are returned back to the host Association. The entry fee is very reasonable and it gives teams a chance to get in a few games before their season starts.
This past year, I believe we gave back $1,200 to the host Association. We as umpires agree to call a minimum of 3 games for free. We use it as a training tool for our new umpires and us senior umps get to shake some of the rust off too.
Any umpire who calls the minimum 3 games also gets reimbursed for any training or schools they attended in the late winter/early spring (It paid for my National School this year).
It has been a big success here........
Let me know if you want any more info.
Joel
|