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Originally posted by Buckeye12
As an umpire who has just completed his rookie season, I have a question for some of the veteran umpires. Not that I'm looking for this to happen right away, but I was looking for some tips on accumulating votes for the state tournament. I'm not sure how other states select thier sectional/district/regional/state tournament umpires, but here in Ohio, votes are submitted throughout the year by varsity head coaches with their recomendations for tournament umpires. I've worked with one guy who gave each coach a business card before the game so they knew his name. Is this appropriate? Throughout my first season, I felt like I accomplished quite a bit by being seen at the Junior High and Junior Varsity level and then being asked to do a few Varsity games and even a Legion DH. But the situation I've run into is that the coaches don't remember my name. Does anyone have tips for a youngster?
First off as others mentioned you have to pay your dues
This is only your first year and while I admire your ambition you have to wait your turn
In my area (NY), one is on what they call probation their first year unless you are an umpire who moves into the area with credentials
In your first year you get modified games and maybe a JV game or two. You are then evaluated, receive a rating and your next year or 2 one starts getting JV games.
In your third year, as long as your rating is good you start getting varsity Games etc.
As far as coaches remebering your name that comes with time. At the plate conferences we greet the coaches ie; I'm Pete Booth and this my partner Sam Jones etc.
As you do more and more games, the coaches will get to know who you are. I don't recommend hanging around after games simply to suck up to coaches which some umpires do, thinking this is their shot and getting playoff games. More often than not this strategy backfires.
In Summary, do your job first meaning attend the appropriate meetings and clinics. Do as many games as you can and the "other" stuff will take care of itself.
Pete Booth
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Peter M. Booth
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