Quote:
Originally posted by stripes1977
Does anyone else out there see the unwritten rule of "Once an Umpire always an Umpire"? I find that I see guys that have been typecast into that role and don't move up the ladder very much. Is this true or do I have a limited point of view in my youth? 
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Stripes,
When I moved to GA, and resumed my football officiating, I was asked to work as an umpire. I had a ton of flag football experience, but very little tackle. Umpire seemed like a good place to be, away from the coaches. We were short umpires that year, and then some injuries forced me onto the varsity field for 3 games that year. Two at umpire, one at back judge.
As the years have passed, I have seen less time at umpire and more at the other positions. The initial reason: I wasn't big enough (5'7", 180 at the time) to be an umpire. Translation: We added some pretty big boys to the association. The reason now: Grooming for Referee. They want me to have experience at all positions before I move to Referee at the Varsity level (still 2-3 years away, at least).
I am still considered one of the better umpires in my group, but am now gaining a reputation of being very versatile. Umpire is still my favorite place to work. I enjoy the interaction with the players.
As far as moving up the ladder, I have no aspirations for the college or NFL levels. I love Friday nights, and will work any time, at any position. When it quits being fun, I will quit doing it.
Enough patting my own back. Not all umpires are jerks. Give us a chance!