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Originally Posted by SAump
Close proximity: How far are you willing to travel to accept an assignment? I am especially interested in hearing from those who travel more than one hour, one-way. What level of game would you accept and which do you turn down? All responses from amateur umpires about travel milage and lodging fees for "longer" distances are welcomed.
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The ultimate answer lies in one's umpiring goals. In other words do you want to umpire at the collegiate level and at the HS varsity level.
As for me, I keep my commute at 2 hours ( 1 hour each way) for my "day" job so I am certainly not going to travel any farther for my hobby.
In addition, if I am going to travel an hour's distance I want at a minimum 2 games assigned preferably 3 to make the trip worth while. If you travel 1 hour or greater for one game your net amount will be peanuts with gas prices the way they are. Also, the "hidden' cost is the wear and tare one puts on your car in addition to one's normal driving back and forth to work plus family driving.
The other factor in traveling is: The Entire day is basically "shot"
Example: This past week I had a 9 inning mens game assigned to me in a 5 mile radius. They have a 3 hour time limit on 9 inning games. The game started at 9 AM and we were done just before noon meaning I still had basically all of Sunday to do "other' things.
If you have an hours travlel time as mentioned your day is basically "shot", therefore, if you are going to 'give-up" the day you should have at the mimimum a "Double Dip" scheduled otherwise it's not worth it.
Pete Booth