Quote:
Originally Posted by topper
Absolutely. Once I discovered the number of games worked and per game fee that ASA pays at it's nationals.
The notion that an umpire should be so "honored" to receive an assignment that they work at a reduced rate is somewhat insulting in that it suggests some sort of favor has been done to the official. Try that approach with your mechanic or accountant some time. Umpires provide a service and should be compensated accordingly based on the value of that service. "Bigger" games should pay those umpires whose abilities merit such assignments better than lesser games. This has not been ASA's philosophy in the past. This, and the discouragingly poor level of many of the umpires at the nationals I've attended as a fan, is why I have never accepted the "honor" of an ASA national assignment. I can make more money and enjoy working with more competent officials at a local tournament.
I, like many on this board, have invested a lot of time, effort, and money to get my game to a level where I can be considered for the types of assignments I dreamed of when I started. Yes, I'm proud when considered for these assignments, but don't feel I should be any more honored to work a game than the participants are to have me work it.
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I think you make good points but you do gloss over one aspect of umpiring..
First, yes its money. But its also a passion and hobby we love. As much as I wish it could be my job and career, it will never be. So it is what it is, something I love to do.
If it is a goal of an umpire to go higher; the pursuit of the higher levels of our hobby and passion requires resume building. Just like schools you attend where you actually pay to go; nationals is not all about "honor" of getting the assignment, but for resume building for future assignments.
Do you want to do a womens or mens major or other highest level ball there is or are you satisfied with a Utrip world series?
Is it your concern to make more money working beer league for a week or a national?
If your goal is beer league for a week because you make more, I'm fine with that. The community needs that type of umpire.
Understand others may not be so concerned with the short term "loss" of 18-20 per game for a national because the pay off is either later or a different type of reward.