3 man Crews - Would you work for less

[PeteBooth]

Most of us work the 2 man system, but there has been talk at least in my area concerning 3 man crews at the varsity level. The problem: the FEES would be split into thirds as opposed to halves.

My question to you is - Would you be willing to work a 3 man system and getting less money? The reason I ask is that for most of us, the money we get umpiring is supplemental income. We have our regular jobs and umpire "on the side" if you will. While money shouldn't be the only "driving force" as to why we umpire, the FEES come in handy.

The FEES assist us with expenses to and from games / cost for attending clinics, dues for our particular HS association, proper clothing and upgrading our equipment. While a 3 man crew helps, is it really necessary?
Can you honestly say that a team won or lost because there were only 2 of you as opposed to 3?

Yes there are those plays, that having a 3 man crew would be beneficial, but IMO out of all the games we umpire would it have really made a difference? Maybe at the collegiate level where you have 2 Top Notch Teams it would matter, but not in most of the games I umpire in.

In your opinion, would the umpire pool be diminished as a result in decreased FEES? Would you personally be willing to umpire for less money as a result of 3 man crews?

Pete Booth