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This thread reminds me of a debate raging in my association.
We began to intensify our training program this year and to enforce our uniform policies. We also are evaluating more often and in those evaluations we include appearance and presence as well as peformance.
This has led to some in our group to complain that we are "trying too hard to be professional." They explain that they are umpiring "for fun" and the emphasis on professionalism is taking the fun out of it.
One member told me: "Umpiring for me is a hobby like my piano playing. I play piano for myself, not to be a professional." Being a musician, I had to think about that, for about 2 seconds, before I replied, "When you can umpire for yourself in your basement, you won't have to worry about professionalism. However, we don't apply our craft in a vacuum. We work in front of fans and parents and we work for plauyers, coaches and administrators to deserve to have our best efforts. Our best efforts require continuing education and training and an effort to look and act professionally.
All this is prelude to a question to any here who agree with my friend and others who balk at the word "professional" or who dislike an emphasis put on professionalsim.
Exactly what part of this bothers you? Getting better? Looking better? Performing at a higher level? Having less problems with game management?
Tell me, exactly where is the downside to attempting to perform and look professional?
[Edited by GarthB on Jul 29th, 2005 at 05:00 PM]
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