Umpire evaluations

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by UmpJM (nee CoachJM)

In my association, there is a "voluntary" evaluation program.

If you want one, you sign up on our website, and it costs $20. If you sign up, you get a 2nd evaluation "free". You pick the game you want evaluated, and if an evaluator is available, they "take" it. If not, you pick another date.

The write up of the evaluation ONLY go to the person being evaluated.

In the two years I have been with the association, I have had three evaluations done through this program. They were done by three different experienced guys who are all well thought of in the association.

I was surprised by the thoroughness and specific detail in the evaluations I received. I found them extremely useful and an excellent "investment". They primarily focused on area of improvement, but there were some positive comments as well. I don't think anyone was particularly concerned with my "feelings" while doing the writeup.

The leadership of the association is somewhat frustrated that more members don't take advantage of the program. More should.

JM

We have a similar system, but....

Each umpire receives one evaluation at no cost as part of the association's efforts to track performance. If, however, an umpire would like an additional evaluation for any reason, he would pay a sum equal to half his game fee which would to the evaluator to compensate for travel expenses and forfeting the opportunity to work his own game.

Most of those who take advantage of this opportunity are in the lower two ratings classification. Some are experienced members looking to take the step to college ball. We get maybe 20 such requests a year.