Quote:
Originally posted by Rich Fronheiser
Quote:
Originally posted by nickrego
The proper solution is to have 2 man crews for every game.
Then, you can pay the umpires less money for the sub-varsity games, in all fairness.
Then, the sub-varsity umpires would have an opportunity to develop the skills necessary to be a higher paid Varsity umpire.
As it is now, working alone, they only get good at working alone. So then you drop them on a field with a partner or two, and they fumble around like it was their first time, because they are really starting over - to a certain degree.
Schools will not pay for two umpires at the sub-varsity level, because they don't have the money, not because they don't think itÂ’s necessary.
I worked my way up to a Varsity schedule several years ago. I love it when they assign me a sub-varsity partner. Why, they still know how to hustle, and they want to improve (to work their way up to varsity). I'd rather deal with a mess due to a new guy trying to learn, than the messes I have to deal with working with partners that are too pompous to do a good job.
I get asked about 3 or 4 times each year to fill in on a sub-varsity game. I take the assignment without hesitation. Most of our varsity umpires turn their noses up at such a demeaning idea. When I get to that point, I think it will be time for me to quit.
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Why? I don't work subvarsity games if I can help it during the school season. With my varsity and college schedule, I have precious few days left in April and May. My choice is -- work a JV game or stay home with my family. I choose the latter. So do many other umpires I know, and it doesn't mean we are turning our noses up at anything.
I don't find it demeaning, though.
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Rich has it exactly right. It used to be an honor to work the varsity. Now its almost a step down in pay.
I schedule our JV and Jr. High games and they get two 90 minute games and get paid $65.
So they are home in 3 hours with $65.
I get to work the varsity game and all I get paid is $50. (could be two hours but could be four hours)
As far as time and money, its more lucrative to work the lower level games.
thanks
David