I have had the good fortune to be one of original umpires in the IHSAA tournament series, and empathize with you guys in your efforts to gain your first assignment. One factor that has deterred many of our umpires is failure of the coaches that you have worked for to provide a vote. We in the Northern Association have had men like you with twenty-five games and receive votes from only fifteen coaches. Therefore, it is iminent that next year you give each competing coach a card with your name and address, and a request that they please register a vote on the yes/no section of the school's IHSAA baseball umpires' rating sheet that is received prior to sectional play. Another factor that reduces your opportunity is that several umpires are placed in the number 3 slot year after year, and never progress to a higher position. There is a move underway that if these men do not progress, they would be placed back in the yes/no vote, and thus open up positions for new umpires to "show what they can do." Do not give up on your goal to be a tournament umpire; keep trying!!!!
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