It's All About The Money

[fitump56]

Originally Posted by BoomerSooner

I'm going to take a little different stance and say that for me the calls on the field are made considering the money aspect. But in a little different way that what fitump is suggesting. Every call I make on the field is governed by what I think is right and in accordance with the rules. I have learned that this is the only way to advance within the eyes of my assignor and fellow umpires. I want to get more games to make more money (so that after after covering my fixed costs i.e. equipment, uniforms, etc. I can turn a greater profit and do something I love).

If this approach is working for you, you're fortunate. Too many ump orgs are designed around keeping the hub-bub to a minimum. Congrats on your org and its ability to promote for all the right reasons.

As has been said umpiring is a service, and as someone that works in a service field (the medical field) as my full-time vocation, I understand that doing a good job, making sure patients are satified, and working ethically leads to better opportunities (more money). Am I going to go against what I know is right to do something I think the person that controls my wages and hours would want me to do? NO...because they would want me to do what is right, and I think the same thing applies to assignors and league administrators, etc. They want us to make the right call, they want us to be objective and apply the rules fairly. As such I allow money (and my integrity, love for the game, and many other reasons) to motivate me to make the right call because in the end that's what the big chiefs want.

"Officiating is a service but that does not mean we are servants or subservient." Found this in the FO.com archives. I'm stealing it.