Quote:
Originally posted by mbyron
Those who complain that such striving takes all the "fun" out of umpiring probably don't understand the thrill of being totally focused on one's activity and doing it very, very well.
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If I may disagree, I tried officiating several other sports with the idea of having fun rather than getting good. I was driven out of basketball due to my refusal to take it seriously. I wanted to have fun and exercise, not spend a ton time learning rules minutia and endlessly going over mechanics. I was not good enough even for freshman with that attitude.
Likewise, I took up volleyball and the assignor and other officials spoiled it with endless clinics, pre games, post games reviews, and other associated BS. My partners were furious at my failure to take it seriously and they hated my heavy use of technicals and yellow/red cards to control the coaches outbursts at my lack of "professionalism." I could tell you some horror stories about soccer.
All I do is baseball today and the other sports complain about a lack of officials. Considering what I was being paid, the leagues got more that they paid for. A lot more money would have compelled me to be more serious but for the pocket change I was being paid, showing up on time with a smile on my face was all that they had a right to ask for.
Peter