Some advice, perhaps?

[Mike M]

Wow, I am bit stunned in reading the assessment penalties. I consider myself fortunate now when I read your potential situation. If I were you I would talk to other umpires already in the association to find out where all of this extra money is going to. Is all of accumulated fine money and penalty dollars distributed to the members on a prorata basis at the end of the season? Perhaps the umpires can give you some insights as to why the fees exist and their justification. If not, I would think twice before signing up with the association , especially if there is a high probability of your schedule changing.

FYI, our contract:

Dues: $50
JV $38 two man $48 one man (no experience escalator)
Varsity $48 two man
Pay dispersed at end of the season
Missed Game (No Show) $45.00
Late to game $10 (goes to other umpire)
Cancel game after accepting game $5(within 48 hrs of game time) (goes to accepting umpire)
Miss assocation meeting $10 (Absence can be excused)
Two more assocation meetings

Last year there were no assessment fees at all.