[NCASAUmp]

I'll give it a stab, too, from my own personal experience...

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

Do you get paid for games and if so, how much?

Yes, but how much you get paid will depend upon what you're calling. Varying levels equals varying pay.

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

Are games 2, 3, or 4 person umpire mechanics?

All depends on the UIC of the tournament. Most tourneys will start with 2-umpire systems, some will go with 3-umpire systems.

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

Are there mileage reimbursements for umpires who travel long distances?

Sometimes, but to cut down costs, I've heard that some tournaments are trying to get away from that. The more local umpires a tourney has, the less it has to reimburse for mileage. Remember, you can also deduct mileage on your taxes.

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

If you're going to do a weekend tournament, are there hotel/meal allowances?

Sometimes. It depends on the level and who's doing the hosting. You'll probably get some sort of a lunch provided to you, but don't get your hopes too high. Sometimes, it's just hot dogs. Others have more lavish spreads.

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

If you are doing a national tournament and are coming from a different state, are airline fares included?

Again, my understanding is that they're trying to minimize that. Don't expect to encounter that too often.

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

I assume the strictest of dress codes are in place, including no "silver pants" and western cut pockets mandatory so no one can see the inner lining of your pockets .

For a National, absolutely. You must absolutely dress 100% ASA. A state tourney might not be so strict, but you should still dress like it's a National. It will reflect positively upon you.

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

If there are no re-imbursable expenses [other than perhaps a game fee] does that mean that only financially independent people are likely to be officiating the games [especially a higher state or national levels]?

Hey, the pay may not be great, but none of us are doing this for free! Most of us also have full-time jobs.

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

If you work a state or national tournament do you make money or lose money?

You make some money. Not a lot, though. You'll probably make more at a State tourney, due to the fact that you probably won't have to travel as far.

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

What path does the rec league umpire take to get to state/national level tournaments?

My recommendation is to never "look" to get a tournament. Keep an "if it happens, it happens" attitude around your association. If you ask about it too often, it can rub people the wrong way. I'd recommend keeping an attitude of wanting to improve yourself and your association. Don't say a word about it; let your umpiring skills do all your talking for you.