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Originally Posted by UES
The problem is that some of the "white hairs" that umpire at the D-1 conference level either don't realize that the game has passed them by or actually know that their skills have deteriorated but can't afford to get out of officiating because the money is so good (anywhere from $550 - $1,200 per weekend depending on the conference).
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UES, that's good money right there. I have had to work MSBL weekend tourneys to make the same, 10 -12 games @ $100 per.
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A certain part of me feels bad for these guys because I know I will be that age someday and it's got to be difficult to know when to walk away and hang it up. But there are many white hairs that have no business working that level of baseball but won't get out of it because they need the money. There are guys waiting for those spots but because of the good ole boys network, they are still hanging around and getting the plum assignments when others who are more capable have to sit and wait.
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That is well said, I see this especially in FED HS orgs, these "white hairs" as you call them, they need the money. I feel as you do, understanding and irritated by the system.
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Is it the money, the pride or are they in denial of their abilities. Unfortunately, as NCAA baseball continues to get more TV exposure and the games fees continue to rise, more and more older officials will stick it out as long as possible. I guess that's life....
UES
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Life it is, but is it too much to have fair discussion about this real-time issue here? Your's was fair, will there be others?