Quote:
Originally posted by kellerumps
I read in the Santa Claus post, that IrishMafia wanted enough umpires to work the state series.
Is this really a problem? Do other areas have a difficult time finding quality umpires for big tournaments?
Have the organizations(ASA,USSSA, etc) made it to difficult? Further, what can all of us do to promote this crazy obsession/hobby of ours?
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What makes you think the sanctioning bodies have anything to do with my umpire shortage?
The problem is with the local associations who have their private tournaments to handle. Those assignors have a minimum of a two week jump on the state tournaments. To be honest with you, too many umpires would rather work the local tournaments than the state because they can pretty much do whatever they please and wear whatever uniform they want.
I always talk to folks about working states, but that doesn't help. Until I can get the attention of the better umpires, I'm pretty much relegated to whatever umpire I can get on the field and it isn't always pretty.
Our states consist of two-umpire games with a payout of 22/26 per game for SP/FP respectively. It use to be considered an honor to work a state, now it is just another tournament to many and they are not that big.