Question for you FED Umpires

[PeteBooth]

Originally Posted by Welpe

So I'm looking in to starting to call FED ball next Spring and I'm wondering something.

What kind of regular job do you have and how does your employer feel about you leaving work early once or twice a week? Most games around here seem to start at 4 o'clock. Between traffic and getting to the field early enough to have a good pre-game and inspect equipment, it seems I would have to leave work as early as 2.

I'm just starting my career and I'm hesitant to ask for something like this, but I also want to start working High School soon with the eventual goal of calling Division 1 NCAA baseball. I figure that's going to take quite a few years and a lot more training.

I'd appreciate any suggestions or adivce.

1. How long have you been at the job? and
2. Is it imperative that you be there all day

As Ozzy said some employers allow you to take vacation/personal time

Also, if your employer permits, start work earlier or come in on Saturday / Sunday to make up the time / work

Do not know about your area, but here we fill out our availability at the beginning of the season. Don't know if you work Saturdays, but if you can't get out of work during the week you can put in for Saturday's only or games that start "under the lights"

If you aspiration is to umpire college then you might need a job that ends at 1 / 2 PM because College ball involves many traveling miles which is one of the main reasons I did not puruse it.

Pete Booth