Just trying to get a feel from other groups across the U.S. as to what you do. Looking for some info to take back to our meetings. As of now, our H.S. group is having a problem with the issue of seniority. Some of our umps, who have been around are causing a problem by not accepting any games unless they are Varsity. This is causing a problem with the assignor and younger umps who are getting the shaft. Any comments or rules your group have?

Also, are group has no inside evaluations nor do coaches get a form. This in turn hampers ones chances of getting a playoff game. Any suggestions or comments on how your group handles this?

Thanks in advance.

Solid Question With No Easy Answer
 

I stopped doing high school ball last year. Our Association had the same complaint although we did have ratings that were 80% dependent upon coaches' evaluations. The 20% balance was made up by mandatory attendance at a certain number os meetings including rules interpretation meeting and an open book final FED test.

Each season 10% of Varsity officials were supposed to move down to JV and lower level officials advanced to Varsity. My biggest objection was how some umpires comported themselves to curry favor with coaches. Some umpires refused to officiate schools where coaches were known to give genearlly low ratings. Jim Simms./NY

Our local association added several years ago a local <b>restriction requiring a minimum number of games be called</b> for the chapter in order to maintain good status and be playoff eligible. It seemed many veteran umps would join, do little to support organization during regular season, work a heavy collegiate schedule, and then come pick up playoff games (which are by coach's choices). These were good, notable umps who could have had much greater worth to the organization throughout the year and chose not to.

Additionally, there is also discussion regarding perhaps a restriction <b>requiring a certain number of subvarsity games be called to maintain good status and, therefore, playoff eligibility.</b> Concept is to allow some early season openings for younger officials and greater exposure during non-district play. No action has yet been take to institute a rule. Football chapter uses similar rule that works well.

You might need to check to see limits your state will allow you to impose locally. Your problem is not uncommon. One thing we DID find was that when some of the younger officials got the exposure during the regular season, their names started appearing on the playoff lists. We had approximately 15 highly rated officials flee our organization this year after younger officials were given greater opportunities last year. These older guys were all good officials yet many of them dropped off some of the playoff lists when the others managed to get better regular season exposure.