Is the BIG Game worth it
 

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

This definitely happens, IMO. But its really no different then other facets of life that people wish to "move up" in. You get to the point where you are satisfied, and do not wish to be a climber anymore. Job, Girlfriend, Money... you name it.

As for going down the ladder? Again, it happens. But not as much as it should. Particularly with baseball and basketball, being a varsity official should not be a life time job. Even if you are able to stay in shape, there gets to a point where you have seen too much, dealt with too much, and have lost your ability to view the game completely unbiased (at least in the game management realm).

I think some officials realize this and then take a step down for the good of the game. Others just keep whining about it, and become a worse official year after year at the varsity level.

Personally, no. I am bored silly working JV/Freshman baseball, which is why I've not done a single one in 3 years. And that one was as a last minute fill-in. I've not done a subvarsity basketball game in about that long, either. I would rather stay home.

Part of the joy for me is the atmosphere, but also the pressure and accountability.

EDITED to add: Nothing wrong with working lower level ball, but there are only so many days in April and May and I can work a varsity HS or college game just about every day those months. So why wouldn't I? And I do need a day off once in a while and rather that than working a freshman game with non-existent pitching.

It is definitely worth it. I'm a young official and a competitive guy. I treat my officiating like it's any other sport that I play- if you're not working to improve on last year with a 'never satisfied' attitude, then you should quit right there since you won't be worth a damn to your team. I feel the saying applies to both officiating and sports. You either get better or get worse- there is no third direction in my book (sports or officiating).

This may not be true for some others who 'just like being out there' and don't care if they have a bad game or not. They will probably take a lower level game instead of a varsity game so they can get the "easier money." I use playoff and 'big game' selection as one of the many barometers to see where I'm at. This is why I participate on these boards and what not- to get better and learn from great officials since I want to be the best official I can be.

This is different for some who are grizzled vets that have accomplished very much in their career. In this case, I say that if you are umpiring at a level in which you are ABLE to work a 'big game', but you CHOOSE TO give way to a newer rising official in the name of being a mentor and giving them the experience in big games, then I say that's fine since you are improving the quality of your chapter by doing this by getting the young guys experience. This is ok doing it a few times, but not so much as to totally compromise your schedule.

But to answer Pete's scenario of giving up Varsity games to do JV and younger games for possibly more pay and less intensity- I would never personally do this (at least in this stage in my career. Year #4 coming up). I want to be in the highest league that matches my skill level. If i'm good enough to work low level non conference varsity games, I will work as much of those as I can. If I can work a championship, I will definitely work that. If I'm only good enough to do 9th grade games, I will work those.

But the point I'm trying to make is- I'm not going to trade off a more competitive game just to make it "easier" on myself.

This would be like Tom Brady going and playing in the CFL since there isn't as much pressure as being on an 18-1 NFL team and it's a little easier on him, IMO.

Pete --

IMO, Taking the lower level game over the higher level gme is one of the signs of someone who is "just in it for the money."

Call me what ever you like, but I cannot stand working lower level games. I love working the big games (in baseball that can be an oxymoron) or the game where something is on the line. Those are much more fun than working a game where the outcome means nothing. And in many cases I would rather travel and lose money to work that kind of game then stay in the back yard and work two terrible teams with nothing at stake.

Peace

Why the knock on baseball, Jeff? There are just as many baseball games with something on the line as basketball. Is it the lack of a crowd and atmosphere that makes it seem less important? The slower pace?

We just got our new game fee schedule at our 'all day' meeting on Saturday. Most leagues are paying $53 for Varsity/JV 2 man games. They are paying between $75-83 for ONE MAN JV/Freshman games. I'd be interested to see who asks for those games. I suppose if you dislike the intensity of varsity baseball you could opt to work down.

I've done a few 'big games' in my career, and yes, I do get off on the pressure. If you are scared you might have to punch out the batter for the final out of a one run championship game, then you should find another hobby.

Play-off baseball around here only pays $5 more then a regular season game, so no, it's not about the money. They do reserve a parking place for us though, but they don't pay for gas. Like I mentioned in an earlier post, I drove about 4 hours one way for one of my semi-final NCS games this past year. Trust me, it was well worth the drive.

Generally, I repeat, Generally, I have found that the amount of controversy, abuse, bench jockeying and holy-then-god coach attitudes allowed during a contest are directly proprotional to your ability officiate your contests.

If you allow it in your games, it will come back to haunt you. Then you start second guessing yourself and everything your doing. Next thing you know, it becomes everyone elses fault, (coaches, parents, player, AD's, etc) execpt your own, and you are probably the cause of your failure but , don't want to admit it. It is easier to say I want the lower level games because of the coaches or players, than because I can't handle it.

I can respect the official that realizes the limits of their officiating ability and backs off the more competetive contests however, usually this is not the case though and many have higher expectations than their ability really is.

Personally, I have found that officiating a higher competitive game is easier because you can expect plays to be made because the skill level is higher. Therefore you can generally, excerise the correct mechanics to make the correct call and not worry AS MUCH about the unexpected. Pitchers are more around the strike zone and catchers make sure you see the strike zone, outs are more routine on ordinary plays and the game is played more in line with the rules because the teams and coaches are more knowledgable of rules. Of course there are exceptions to this, but for the most part it is true.

Except for the fact that I probably feel worst about making a mistake during a contest than the teams, I definetly enjoy the challange of knowing that a game was farly played because I officiated it, and the higher the level, the more the reward. And yes, I do enjoy receiving a good days pay for a good days work.

The fewer people watching, the less the scrutiny.

You live in Big Ten country like I do. It is not about the nature of the sport or the pace. But do you really equate Big Ten Football with Big Ten Baseball?

Peace

I see it as a personal choice.
 

For most of us, we don't really see ourselves as others see us. It takes a very experienced and mature individual to have a solid, realistic view of themselves and their own abilities. I constantly seek feedback from those I trust. (i.e. more experienced than I at the matter in which I seek advice.) I love the big games and big crowds and better competition. I have no problem making a call that may be perceived as controversial. Called third strike, fair/foul on the line, no catch/catch on a diving outfielder, balk with go ahead run on third-whatever. I have made them all and do not regret or re-play a one of these calls. I will ask my partner for help on a call if I did not see it. Ultimately, IF it is my call to make, I will make it based upon my own knowledge, positioning and judgment. The bigger the better I say for me personally. For some, they do not need to be in the big games. Experience is only one factor. Ability, attitude, disposition and demeanor are several others. My two cents.

I personally prefer to work the big game. I like to see the plays being made, the pitchers painting the plate, etc. I even enjoy having the coach come discuss a call - note I said discuss. I feel they have a job to do, that includes defending their team. I find that I have fewer issues with the coaches teh higher the level of play. However, the "meaningless" games get NO discussion about the calls - that's VERY nice. I'd rather be out there with the intensity of the big game. It may be left over from my playing days, but I just love that rush.

I have no problem doing lower level games, I hope I never feel that "I'm too good for that." But if you gave me a choice, I'm doing the big game - pay doesn't matter. To me the "easy money" doesn't come from the slow, error filled games - that's HARD work, even with a partner. I want to get as far as I can get with my ability, and being selected to do the big games is an indicator that my ability is improving and has been noticed.

Goals
 

When I started, I started at a late age and worked HS games only, and my goal was to become more profiicient at the rules, because I was also coaching, at lower levels where my sons were playing. I had no aspirations to move up above HS.

Now they are grown and I realize it is too late to aspire to greater heights than working HS games, and some lower college games.

That being said, if I was only assigned JV games I would quit. I don't mind working an occassional JV game and in fact worked 5 last year as part of JV/V double headers and 1 as a late fill in.

But I WANT to work the big games and I WANT to work the plate for the big games. I don't do this for the money, although I would not do it for free. I would not work lower level ball for higher pay.

My second HS game last year was a plate game for me, the final score was 1-0. The winning pitcher pitched a 1-hitter and the losing pitcher a 3-hitter, both pitched complete games. The winning pitcher later signed to pitch for a major D1 school. You don't find this kind of game working JV ball.

Are you with the CCUA by chance?

I love working the big games, be it the atmosphere, the higher quality of ball or the greater challenge to my skills, I'm always trying to advance within my abilities.

The money is a nice secondary benefit.

Welpe, I work for NEB (North East Bay) as well as MCON (Mid County). I do know a great many of the guys that work with CCUA, though.

Where to begin:
 

Pete:

I cannot even recognize the issue that you are speaking of . . .

I want EVERY ONE of our umpires to strive to work the "biggest game." In my opinion any umpire that doesn't want the "Big Game" has started the downward slide to being nothing more than a "Warm Body" to fill assignment holes.

Not only do I want the "Big Game" I want the "BIG CALL".

Example:

Two years ago working a league playoff game we got to that final question:

3 Balls 2 Strikes Bases loaded and 2 out.

I was the base umpire located in "C" and (I thought) I was saying under my breath: "Hit it too me, hit it too me!" I wanted to make the final call (didn't matter "SAFE" or "OUT") just the "Big Call!"

Before F1 could get set to look for a sign F6 behind me called "TIME!"

He came to me laughing and said: "Are you saying 'hit it too me, hit it too me!'"

Sheepishly I nodded "yes" and he laughed:

Looking at me with a smile he said: "I was saying the same thing . . . I want to make the last play of the game."

Pete, I worked major college basketball for 20 years and I am starting my 40th year of baseball. Never once have I considered wanting to take games of lesser importance or level of play.

TussAgee11 wrote:

"As for going down the ladder? Again, it happens. But not as much as it should. Particularly with baseball and basketball, being a varsity official should not be a life time job. Even if you are able to stay in shape, there gets to a point where you have seen too much, dealt with too much, and have lost your ability to view the game completely unbiased (at least in the game management realm)."

This simply proves that children should be seen and not heard.

Regards

Amen Tee! Exactly what my post was getting at. If we only had someone of your wisdom on the east cost... haha :)

[QUOTE]Tee what I was trying to get at and perhaps I didn't make my OP clear is this.

You have done the BIG game made the BIG call etc. Also, it depends upon one's area, but are simply tired of dealing with High intense coaches.

In other words most every game has that high intense pressure.

It's not that an umpire is strictly out there for the money etc. but to coin a term "has done their time" and are simply tired of it.

This type of umpire still likes to umpire but simply does not want the aggravation anymore.

I believe this was a topic in one of the referee articles years back when the article was about a decline in Officiating. The article talked about many aspects of officiating and gave I believe the top 5 / 10 reasons for the decline.

Also, for the most part Officiating is not our prime source of income It is a hobby, so IMO you cannot compare one's workplace (trying to get ahead) with officiating. One 's workplace pays the bills whereas Officiating supplements one's income so you can pay for equipment and take a vacation.

Hopefully I clarified things

Pete Booth

T:

What I was referring to was a common problem that I have heard about in both the association I belong to at home and games I umpire while in college.

There are some varsity officials that have lost that game management touch and will hook anybody and everybody, or take alot of crap and do nothing about it. Out of position or refusal of new mechanics is also a problem.

I ask others who have been members for some time and they reply, "He used to be very good." But these people still get the Varsity games alot of the time.

When they got to varsity, maybe they got complacent and didn't keep striving (this part is speculation).

What I said in that first post was not from my mouth, but from others, who are most certainly not children.

Seeya,

Tuss

Goals. I work toward goals. I focus on short term, attainable and measureable milestones that hopefully will lead to an eventual working vacation in Omaha. Bigger and bigger games are key components toward that end. I need to f-up, get my *** chewed and react in a way that does not retard this process. Once (if) I achieve this goal, if I'm young enough, I will try to retain that level. Otherwise, I'll just try and teach others and supplement my retirement.

D

I just did a junior high girls basketball game for $125.10

It was the biggest game I could get today.

$125.10?? wow, 2 games 20 minute running halves or what?? dang

His location is Long Island, NY. Half the check was for tolls and the other half was a tank of gas to get there..................:D

[QUOTE=PeteBooth]When I get tired of high intense I will stop doing it, I will not step down to less high, less intense games.

Each to his own though. The world needs some low achievers to balance the scales.

Basic fee $69.50 + 20% for 5 periods x 1.5 for working alone = $125.10

30 miles round trip, no tolls.

And it should be + 25% for the 5th period. I'm getting gypped out of $10.21!

There's no better feeling in the world making the "big call in the big game" half the players think you're wrong but you know you're right. You'll never know the feeling until you get the chance. Or should I say take the chance.

[QUOTE=DG]I don't know why an umpire would feel the intensity of a big game. If one is uptight, it can lead to a bad call. Pressure is what comes in a tire.

Even a game between two lesser opponents can be tight and be as an exciting game. A big game can become a clunker and boring as hell.

Okay, let me make sure I'm following this....

When I take HS games from my assignor, and they're between good teams, then that's okay - I'm a high achiever and moving up in the world.

When I take the Pony games my assignor gives me, or LL or rec ball, then suddenly I've become a low achiever that helps make it possible for DG (and whoever else) to be King Of The World, or at least part of the upper half?

What the h---?

I'm new to my association, so I'm still moving on the scale. Although I've worked HS age games overseas, I wasn't a full blown HS guy here, and still am not, according to our level system. I believe that I _will_ move up to that point, and will get promoted to the level that does college, and maybe the Coastal Plains games played here. So, yes, I am looking to move up the scale to better ball, as the gist of many people on here.

But at the same time, I also consider myself to be a "loyal soldier" for my association. I got 65 games last year; only 3 or 4 varisty, something like 16 JV, and 4-5 middle school (middle school? Who knew? That didn't happen when I was a kid). The rest were a combo of LL senior/Pony (various ages), AAU, Showcase, whatever. I did what I was given, again largley thanks to my "newbie" status with my association.

At the same time, when I become as cool as everyone else, and get the HS varsity stuff more often - and the other stuff to which I've alluded - I'd like to think I won't be too good to work other games that my association has contracted for. Sure, those games might be more for the newer guys, and the ones not promoted as high yet, but if my assignor needs someone, and I'm available, I'd like to think he'd give me a call.

Maybe it's just the ball here, and I certainly haven't seen many teams in the area, but the HS games I got last year weren't Yankees/Red Sox. There are good teams here, but I didn't get evenly matched teams for the games I had, I guess. And I've had travel AAU U12 games that were well played and went to the wire, so good ball can be seen many places.

Besides, for the participants in that game, that may be the biggest thing in the world to them - not just at that time, but what they've been living for for the last XX days. Why do people want to look down so much at that?

But as to the OP, sort of: seems to me that the bigger games, and the more important ones, are better behaved. Yeah, there'll be griping and moaning, but the people involved want to STAY involved, and not get turfed out by the umpire. It's the younger games, with less at stake, that seem to get the more bent-out-of-shape guys. That's just my observation.

Big boys, or kiddie ball for less $$? Easy choice.
 

A few years ago, I had a choice between a 2-man, U18 district semi-final for $50 and a 3-man, U12 "World Series" (with the proliferation of sanctioning bodies, that term is practically meaningless now) game on a 60' diamond for $30. They were both played at the same complex at the same time. I chose the U18.

Did I turn down the BIG game? The assignor acted like I did. I thought the other game was a bigger challenge and more money--easy choice. I also thought it would be nice to let someone who was excited to have it work the U12 game.

Is a game between a bunch of kids just out of elementary school a BIG game just because they slap the misnomer "World Series" on it?

Hokie:
 

Define "Big" anyway it fits your schedule.

As ever one knows (ad nauseum) I have never worked a JV game or small diamond game and have no intent of ever doing that.

Do I think ball played by shaving aged players is "bigger" than small diamond ball?

That answer is obvious.

Regards,

There is nothing more satisfying (and I mean nothing) than having your "A" game with you when you are working a BIG game. Nothing. It is addictive. It is like a drug I crave. After working such a game ...I swear I have an out-of-body experience for several hours.

To rise to the challenge: [whether it was working my first pro game in a real stadium (and overcoming more nerves than you can imagine); my first pro game with ESPN/CNNSI present and recording; my first college game on the plate between two top 10 teams in a packed stadium; or working a Class AAAA state championship game in front of thousands of people] and to deliver a solid performance that makes your assignors say, "we had the right man on the job for that game" is what it is all about.

Those are the games for which I umpire all the other games for.

I swear that in the middle of a BIG game...when I KNOW I have my "A" game going...that I can actually feel the hair on my neck begin to stand up.

That is why I'm addicted to umpiring.

well written lawump, well written...yes, I haven't worked games as big as yours...but during my "big games" I feel the same way...there's that level of intensity that's there...just a little bit more intense than the other games that are just as important.

Amen lawump!

While I haven't had some of the specific pleasures you have had in terms of comperable "big games", I feel it is an honor to be assigned to these "big games." My adrenaline is going, and I am out there to perform well and give my extra efforts - just like the players.

My name is Warren, and I'm an umpiring addict. I haven't called a game in 168 days...

Okay. For the not working less than HS, all I can say is "good for you." And not in a sarcastic way... Well, maybe a little sarcastic, but not that much.

Unfortunately, I'm neither a) a living legend, or b) the one making schedules for my association. So I don't really have the luxury of saying "HS or Death!" I suppose I could, but then I'd get a lot less games, and it would take that much longer to get into four figures of games.

Overseas, I was in a town where there wasn't another place to umpire for 1,000 miles, no lie. So I took what the town offered, which was little kids, teenagers (not a school comp, but the local league), and the adult league (4-6 teams during my time, player ages running from 15-55 or older).

Here, I'm part of a 130-man organization, and as I said before, I'm not that high in the order. Do I want a game that's meaningful? Sure, I want that; I'd like to get picked for districts (or whatever it's called) and/or state games. I'd like to get whatever college level we have. But I work what I'm assigned. (Several people here have mentioned picking some game over another - pretty sweet, if you can get that.)

But until then, I need and want work, to show what I can do. So those games do have a meaning of their own, even if I'm the only one on the field that gives a $%#^.

I just wish those on this forum that have gotten to a point where they can be a little more choosy wouldn't be so disdainful of the rest of us. I'm probably not as bad an umpire as you think.

I agree with Hokieump on this point....
 

The tenor of commentary leans a bit toward the holier than thou side by some. The lack of camaraderie by some on this site is a big drawback for this forum. I have never understood why some posters choose to be so negative toward others. I agree that some posters deserve it when they start arguments, ask the same dumb questions over and over and argue with advice when they sought the advice in the first place. However, the lack of compassion, understanding and downright nastiness of some for no apparent reason puzzles me. I have learned that several of the "regulars" or "old timers" on this site have grown intolerant of the relative ignorance of some newer or more inexperienced posters. I do my best to ignore it. Commenting on it, even like I am doing now, never helps anyone, even me. I write to help me clear my head, sort out complex (at least to me) concepts and inform others when I can. Others apparently just like to give some a hard time. It is easy to do anonymously or via the internet with the hundreds and thousands of miles between many of us. Also, the avocation, as I like to call it, demands a certain level of skin thickness, stubbornness and ego that most jobs never come close to. So, consider the source of some of the commentary and ignore it if it doesn't help you get better. I still get a lot of valuable information from the postings here. I try to give some of it back as I strive to get better every day. Both in my umpiring career and with the rest of my life. Good luck. My two cents.

D.C. Teater

That's one of my "rules of thumb" of umping when I'm getting chirped at - consider the source. Good rule, too...

JJ

I thrive on doing higher levels. I love the challenge.

What I hate is the politics that are involved as you move up. Dealing with plenty of that right now. :(

The intensity of the game is NOTHING compared to the intensity of the competition of the top umpires trying to get to "the next level". The degree of false rumors, backstabbing, and politicing is incredible!

I literally questioned tonight if I have the stomach for it anymore. Tim C can let you know if I decided no! ;)

You know, when you got to the big clinics/camps and what not, you will inevitably hear an official who has achieved a fairly high level in the pro ranks give a seemingly heartfelt speech concerning the "brotherhood of officiating". You will hear all sorts of great talk about how you should never talk bad about fellow officials no matter how deserving they may be of it. You will hear about how you should never openly criticize a fellow official, even to another official. How you should never envy another officials assignments. How you should never work against another official. All of these same things may be published in rule books under "ethics" statements and what not.

This is a great speech, until you hear that same guy talk trash about somebody. :( I have seen it way too many times in the 3 sports I have officiated.

The "culture" of umpiring upper level sports is not going to change. I am not sure it can! You MUST be ambitious to improve. That same ambition though often leads to unsavory behavior for officials (meaning, behavior that is contrary to the mission and ethics statements that we read).

There are territorial disputes. There are political plays. There are conflicting personalities. It is all there in officiating. What makes it really messed up is that any even halfway decent sports official is a Type A personality. Thus, these battles can be very nasty.

To survive, you have to be clever! Probably the best advise I could give anybody newer trying to move up the ranks. Be clever! ;)

You complain about rumors and backstabbing, and then invite someone else to report your feelings? Maybe that was supposed to be funny, as evidenced by the wink, but it just seems inconsistent to me.

Think it over a bit.