Pay Rates for High School Baseball Umpires

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

the varisty games are probably easier than your U9 games. typically the higher the level of game, the "easier" they are to work...

Yeah, that's why we start all our beginning umpires at D-1 and let them work their way up to LL.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by GarthB

Yeah, that's why we start all our beginning umpires at D-1 and let them work their way up to LL.

I knew you would disagree with this. As soon as I read it, I wondered how long until Garth chimed in.

[scarolinablue]

Getting back on topic, and to address Rich's question about the pay difference, I can't say I've honestly ever heard a reason for the difference. I'm in my 5th year of HS ball, and it's been that way since I've been in this region, and I think all of SC is that way as well. Nobody seems to mind or complain, to my knowledge. My guess is it came about in SC mainly due to the fact you are the UIC and have to wear the gear for the game. But, it is an interesting question, and I'm inclined to try to find the answer. I'm not going to dispute that both umpires are equally crucial to a successfully called game - they are. In all other ball in this area, the rate is the same for either plate or bases, so that also adds evidence to the fact the difference is probably directed by the SC High School League.

In my region, at least, most schedules are pretty balanced - that is, you'll typically get an equal number of plate games and base games, so it tends to balance out, which is probably why nobody minds the difference. Now, I do now some guys who are excellent plate men who tend to do more plate games, but mainly as a result of their skill, not demanding more plate time for the extra bucks. Honestly, the more experienced guys in my association tend to not want to do the plate games to avoid the wear and tear on the knees.

[DG]

Originally Posted by scarolinablue

In my region, at least, most schedules are pretty balanced - that is, you'll typically get an equal number of plate games and base games, so it tends to balance out, which is probably why nobody minds the difference. Now, I do now some guys who are excellent plate men who tend to do more plate games, but mainly as a result of their skill, not demanding more plate time for the extra bucks. Honestly, the more experienced guys in my association tend to not want to do the plate games to avoid the wear and tear on the knees.

In my association the assignor assigns umpires to their position and the more experienced umpires are generally assigned the plate. If I am assigned bases with someone I know to be less experienced I say nothing to the assignor if he does an average job, but if he does a superior job I will tell my assignor. It don't happen in a conference game between two good teams. And the guys with more experience might say they don't care, but deep down they really want the plate. Unless you are recovering from an appendectomy, who doesn't? Pay is the same.

[PeteBooth]

I can't say I've honestly ever heard a reason for the difference.

Not all associations assign base / plate responsibilities. They leave it up to the umpiring crew with seniority being the "trump card".

Therefore, you had a very inequitable plate / base schedule. If you were a first year Varisty Official, you would have something like 15-20 plates in a row.

The vets would take the plate come playoff time because that's where you "earn your stripes" but would do the bases almost the entire regular season yet earn the same pay.

With the aforementioned inequities, some associations then decided to give a pay differential so that one person would not do the plate the entire season.

I do not advocate it but I understand it. In my association you get a mixture of plate / base responsibilities during the season.

Pete Booth

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by PeteBooth

Not all associations assign base / plate responsibilities. They leave it up to the umpiring crew with seniority being the "trump card".

Therefore, you had a very inequitable plate / base schedule. If you were a first year Varisty Official, you would have something like 15-20 plates in a row.

The vets would take the plate come playoff time because that's where you "earn your stripes" but would do the bases almost the entire regular season yet earn the same pay.

With the aforementioned inequities, some associations then decided to give a pay differential so that one person would not do the plate the entire season.

I do not advocate it but I understand it. In my association you get a mixture of plate / base responsibilities during the season.

Pete Booth

I still don't understand it Pete. First, I don't know of veteran who wouldn't prefer the plate. Second, a BU can screw up a game just as much, and according to some D-1 coaches I know, even more than a PU. The grass is where the snakes hide.

I know of no justifiable reason to pay BU's less than PU's.

[Durham]

While I am sure that inequities occur and in some places they may even rule the day, the JC and HS groups that I have been fortunate enough to be apart of operate under the rule that the officials decide who works where, we teach the younger officials in class that it is best to alternate plate/base with let’s say George, every time you work with him, just flop what you did last time. Occasionally, you or your partner will want to work the plate/base for a specific reason and that is okay. The system works for us.

[SanDiegoSteve]

I agree with Garth, there is no reason to pay the plate umpire more than the base guy.

Here is how we do things here:

When working with a partner who you've never worked with before, the senior official (not the oldest, but the one with more years in the association) has the choice of plate or bases.

The next time you work with this same official, you alternate plate/base.

Pretty simple. Payment doesn't enter in to the scenario, so there is no hogging the plate.

I know some guys who keep very accurate records of who's turn it is, some dating back years. I've said, "your turn, right?" only to hear, "nope, remember 4 years ago up there at..."

[mrm21711]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

When working with a partner who you've never worked with before, the senior official (not the oldest, but the one with more years in the association) has the choice of plate or bases.

The next time you work with this same official, you alternate plate/base.

Pretty simple. Payment doesn't enter in to the scenario, so there is no hogging the plate.

Same way around here. It works well. The big dogs dont need to be policed or told what to do. The plate dodgers who show up 10 minutes before game time...well thats another story. Any recommendations on those people?