[wadeintothem]

I think as independent contractors, umpires are free to roam where they may, putting to work the training they pay and work for as they see fit.

I think an organization that hires umpires can set their criteria... and it is perfectly reasonable to set criteria for assignment which could/should include loyalty.

i.e. If you are primarily an NSA umpire who leaves an ASA assigner hanging week after week for the "regular tournaments", but a cool 18G ASA NQ rolls in, so suddenly you call up and are available .. well if would be perfectly fine for that assigner to put you at the bottom of the list or even black ball you. Yeah, we may use you.. at 12U. Theres your assignment pal, enjoy it.

I think its fair for both sides to operate in this manner, that is the nature of independent contracting, and one has a choice they can make with the understanding that loyalty to an organization is a perfectly valid criteria for evaluation of an umpire as a whole in regards to assignments.