Is the BIG Game worth it

[PeteBooth]

Hi all:

Amateur umpiring:

I believe most of us and least when we started umpiring had a goal of doing the BIG game be it a Regional / State HS Final or a College World Series Final.

What I have noticed is the following:

The higher you go the more intense the games are:

The question?

Do you ever ask yourself?

Self is it worth it?

Here's what I mean

I know some Varsity Officials that have asked to "go down" because they are simply fed up with the Varsity coaches. In basketball I know of several who do not want to move up. They prefer the modified game which is 5 quarters (at least in our area) and a continous clock. Hardly any-one in attendance and the game for the most part is a "no-brainer' meaning no intensity etc.

Since you are doing 5 quarters the FEE is roughly $15.00 less than a Varsity FEE but much less headaches.

Same is true for baseball officials. In my area there is a shortage so for the most part modified / Freshman games are done solo. You get a FEE plus 1/2. Therefore there is a roughly a $15.00 from the varsity Fee counting the extra FEE but just like basketball way less headaches.

In Summary have you ever felt that the BIG Game(s) are simply not worth it and I will stay with the less intense games and still earn a decent paycheck for my work.

Pete Booth