Hey, we also have a guy in the next level down, and a guy on the next level down from that. So, at least 4 guys every year from our association, and about every 4th or 5th year, we send a 5th umpire!

In the old days, the top game circulated amongst associations throughout the state. So, we used to send a whole crew, but only did that once every 4 years or so. I like this new system where you send the number of guys based upon how many of the schools you service at that level in the state. That also means that associations that only serve lower level schools don't have an umpire slot except at the level they service. Our association is by and far the largest in the state, and we service all levels for the 75 or so high schools we service.

It is indeed a very big honor to be selected to do the top level game! Generally speaking, only umpires with collegiate experience get the top two levels now.