MLBU - what kind of program would you run

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by GarthB

Yes, and I have heard pro football and basketball officials say that they wish they could have the baseball model.

I have never heard a single football or basketball official yearn for such a system. Not a system that makes you work on the road all the time and not have other income.

Originally Posted by GarthB

In fact, the NFL used NFL Europe much as baseball uses AAA baseball.

This is also inaccurate. NFL Europe was one way they evaluated officials. But most officials that got a shot in the NFL were selected from Division 1 rather than NFL Europe. NFL Europe was usually used to give someone an opportunity and more of a look, but it was not used as a prerequisite for being hired at the NFL. Not even close. Actually Arena Ball is used more than NFL Europe was as an evaluation tool. And now there is no longer NFL Europe. There are some current NFL officials that would work in NFL Europe. Not everyone is able to go away for 3 months in Europe and keep their jobs. Most NFL officials have a job outside of their officiating. Not something you are really allowed to do in the current baseball.

Peace