I don't think there will be a game in my area for at least a week, as you already know.

For Tim C - In Illinois once you take the FED Part I test, you get an IHSA patch. Most associations in Illinois are linked to IHSA athletics, so anyone who passes the test is theoretically authorized to work any level of IHSA athletics from freshman all the way through varsity - yes varsity. The assignors know how much HS experience you have, and yes it takes some time to get varsity assignments, if you want them. Some states are different and require some other sort of skills requirement to do varsity. Once you get your first varsity assignment it will be with a more experienced umpire. Commentary after the game whether by the other ump or a head coach or the athletic director to the assignor lets the assignor know if the person is ready or not for more varsity assignments. Most of the first time varsity assignments will be non-conference games, or if later in the season maybe a game that does not have much at stake such as the two lowest placed teams. You might get it as a fill in for a last minute cancellation. Our assignor has been doing it so long he knows almost everyone on a first name basis and knows something about you based on either commentary or having seen you first hand. I also know if an ump is known as someone who can fill in in a pinch and volunteer, you'll get all the games you want. You become his go to guy. Because of my work schedule I get most of my assignments on a week to week basis.

Other states are different. In Illinois there are three levels of officials. Registered, Recognized and Certified, the highest. To get promoted to Recognized, you have to have at least two years experience, pass the Part II test, open book with an 85 and have at least three letters of recommendation, one of which has to be from a Certified level official. They are not going to hand it out lightly. To go from Recognized to Certified you have to score 90 on the Part II test, closed book, have additional years,and at least three letters of recommendation with at least one by a Certified official. Additionally, no matter what level you still have to take the Part I test EVERY year. If nothing else it insures you at least study the rules.

Knowing the rules is only one part of it. If your mechanics are not up to snuff, you won't get the recommendations. I, like most officials, do study the rules and mechanics on a regular basis. It's up to each individual.

Since you don't use the terms "license" and "patched" in your area, I can only presume there is some mechanism set up to allow promotion. The only negative issues with that are that some older and more experienced umps may for whatever reason try to deny someone who is deserving solely for selfish reasons or fall back on the "old boy network" where you have to put as many years into it as they did before you can join their ranks. It's sad, but I guarantee you it does happen. They want to protect their turf. In the end you have a lot of umpires at the highest level and a lot at the lowest level. Unless there is a way of really mentoring those at the lower level to improve and give them a chance it will be difficult to insure there will always be a supply of really qualified officials.

Really, I wish this new member all the best. What I don't want to see is having him set up to fail, which is why I urge UmpJM to really take this guy under his wing.