[Tim C]

First let me say I am very fortunate. I umpire in an area where the assigining commissioner will not assign umpires to any game unless the entire league has paid, in full, all umpire fees for the current season. That is one of the advantages of working in a well organized and coordinated umpire association.

Sadly we don't umpire ALL the games that are played in the great Portland (OR) area.

So I got THE call last night.

"Hey Tee, this is Jon . . . we are having a huge problem . . . our umpires aren't getting paid."

After 10 minutes of his emotional cry for help I said the following:

"Jon, it is the fault of YOUR group for not having contracts and a payment schedule . . . it is your fault if you assign ONE MORE umpire to this league."

Obviously that is not what Jon wanted to hear . . .

So I ask all of you:

"How do you get paid (primarily during the summer) and be assured that all umpires in your group get their fair pay for games worked?"

Is this just a local problem or are people not paying their bills elsewhere?

Thanks,

Tee