[nickrego]

Can't speak to MLB umpiring, but it looks pretty darn easy from the cheap seats...

But for youth umpiring, higher is definitely easier.

Lets compare Varsity vs. Frosh, from the varsity perspective;

1) As stated before, the players and coaches usually know the game better. (But they also know more of what you should be doing and what you should know.)
2) Because there are more umpires, you have a better opportunity to be in a good position to make the call (easier). And for those of you who like to bring a chair to work the plate, you don’t have to move as much.
3) With better pitching and fielding, games are typically shorter due to a higher number of strikes and outs called.
4) Less stupid stuff happens. So many umpires can (and do) get away with knowing only the basic rules.

I’ll tell you though, the few JV games (our association does not service the Frosh level) I get assigned during a season, I find very refreshing and fun. In a way, I find them less mentally taxing because it is just me out there. I don’t have to worry about my partner being in position (or selling me out when they’re not, and kick the call). I don’t have to worry about a partner blowing a call and getting everybody pissed off for the rest of the game (I’ve been guilty of this myself). I don’t have the stress of working with one of the associations Big Dogs, who does things ‘their’ way because they know better than every other umpire (and umpire’s manual) on the planet. (And then getting a lecture on why you don’t need to call obvious foul balls) And I don’t mind having to hustle my butt around the field.

Would I love to work 4 man crews with the highest level players ? You bet your old Blue Beanie I would !