umpire fees

[Kaliix]

I imagine if you are in an area that has more umpires than needed, you can get away with mandated arrival 30 minutes before game time. When you are in an area that is chronically short on umpires, you have to accomodate people's schedules in order to put umpires on the field. It has more to do with logistical realities than the quality of the organization.

The NCAA has many more umpires willing to work than games available. They can enforce all kinds of rules that wouldn't fly for NFHS or summer league games.

And for the record, I agree with everyone who believes that you need to be at the game ahead of time. If I have the time, 20 minutes is good for me. I come to the field dressed. The only thing I am putting on is plate gear and a shirt (or just the shirt if I am on the bases).

Originally posted by His High Holiness

Tee,

This tells me a lot about the lack of quality of your organization. There is no way that umpires can put on a quality performance without a pregame. The attitude that is demonstrated by showing up less than 15 minutes to game time indicates that your umpires do not take their responsibilities seriously. The plate conference is supposed to be 5-10 minutes before the first pitch!

30 minutes is the minimum that a quality organization requires quality umpires to show up prior to game time. Fields must be inspected, balls rubbed down, bats and helmets checked, the pre-game with your partner, and finally, putting on your uniform properly and making sure you look right, cannot be done in less than 30 minutes.

We are required to be there an hour before game time for NCAA ball. We check in with the coaches or game management and we are fined if we are late.

Peter