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I suspect most of us typically work 2 man crews throughout season. I've made comments in past that I question the value of 3 man crews in playoffs. You take umps who have learned to move well and work together in 2 man system and throw them into system that they are less familiar with. Many seem more worried about "are they in the right position" and "is that call mine?" than they do about concentrating on getting the call right. They are also making calls from different viewing angles than they have grown accustomed to. Sometimes those concerns offset the value gained with the 3rd official.
I suspect if you regularly worked 3 man crew these concerns would be gone. I suppose if they are going to reduce fees for umps if they go to 3 man crews, they should also reduce pay for coaches who get assistant coaches. Obviously won't happen, but proves the point.
To Tim C. of Oregon I offer the following regarding travel pay that has been accepted well in Texas. Our chapter has developed 'flat fee' mileage fees based from downtown of major local city to playing site. Although districts may pay slighlty more, they like the fact that they KNOW in advance what they will have to pay for mileage. It makes it much easier for them to budget. Both umps get mileage and if you are ABLE to carpool you come out further ahead. If you haven't tried that, you might want to discuss it with schools.
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