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Originally Posted by Mountaineer
I am currently working in ASA, NFHS as well as NCAA DII - I agree with the person though that said we need some sort of outlet like this. Many assignors in basketball will go to team camps to scout officials - I still think there needs to be something if there isn't something already.
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Let's try this again.
The NCAA does not have umpires. They do not assign umpires during the season. All the NCAA does is provide a clinic for umpires.
The only way you get assigned NCAA games is to be a member of the association which is contracted with different conferences to supply officials to that game. It is THAT association which will rate you and determine at which level you should be working, if at all.
For post-season play, Jerry Hansen, Cathy Strum, etc. get involved and select umpires for the regionals, super-regionals and championships. Many of these umpires are recognized not only by their NCAA work, but games at the highest level of ASA ball. I'm sure if an umpire works for another sanctioning body (AFA, USFA, etc,) and is seen at their highest level of play, they will also have a shot. However, I doubt any umpire is going to work NCAA post-season play without belonging to an association which is contracted to work NCAA-level conference games.
One of my DUICs worked a Div I regional last year, Div III championships the year before and will be working the Div II championships this year. She does work a limited college schedule, some pro games and a bundle of ASA games. However, she got a fair amount of exposure from working the ASA Women's Major FP, 18U Golds and 18U. It is those games in conjunction with local collegiate games that got her the attention she needed to get invited to some of the larger collegiate tournaments.
Getting to the point of being selected to do this level of ball isn't easy and takes a lot of dedication at the local level. I don't believe an umpire is going to get an invite to work for the NCAA working in a "camp" or umpire showcase. However, if there is a camp that will provide an umpire with the appropriate resume boost, it's going to be the ASA FP Camp.
Yes, I'm a little biased, but I've seen the path others have taken and how far that will carry an umpire.
JMHO