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I live in Topeka, KS and I'll tell you from experience that in this area, it's all who you know. If you know the commissioners and they think you can handle it, they will give you the games.
I think you are taking the right approach by going to clinic's and learning as much as you can. Umpiring is similar to coaching or playing, for that matter, in the aspect that you should never stop learning. Every time you take the field, you should be learning.
As far as what makes a good umpire, in my opinion, there are several parts. 1. Look the part 2. Know your rules 3. Know your mechanics (be in the right position) 4. Hustle 5. Be approachable. 6. Umpire with good common sense (know the level of ability and age of the level you are calling) These things will assist you in being a good umpire.
The last part is something, I believe, that you either have or don't have and that is GOOD JUDGEMENT. You may be able to use some of the above mentioned to assist in this part, but the right or wrong call will always come down to good judgement.
I have been umpiring HS baseball for 7 years in Kansas the last 3 receiving enough recomendations to obtain State tournaments, I work state tournaments in American Legion baseball and I call NAIA and Jr College games all the time, but the commissioner of the MIAA will not even look at me for his league.
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