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""We are only as good as we desire to become. An
individual's expertise (or lack of) is directly
related to his dedication to improving and staying
current with rules and mechanics, not to mention
a new hat and shirt at least every 5 years.""
I agree Marty. Getting some guys to get a new hat and shirt is usually an act of Congress.
I also do Ice Hockey, where a national certification is given for different levels of officiation. I often wonder how this would work for umpiring. The good thing about it is, an ice offical can really begin and develop in the program from start to Pro if the desire is there. Also the mechanics and standards for the vast majority of officials come from (1) National Program, USA Hockey.
I think baseball is too fragmented and standards fluxuate from area to area. A National program would be nice, but I think that would start infringeing on all the bucks the camps make, so it may be better for the officials but not profitable for others. I am led to believe that Canada has a National Program with different levels of achievemt. Mabey this can be a model to start with.
Regardless, in either program the statement above made by Marty is probably the main crux of how an indiviual moves up the ladder in umpiring or any officiating.
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