Umpires - Volunteer vs. Paid

[Mike M]

Pete - I agree with your observations about the "realities" of being youth ball umpire. In my case, I have adopted an approach where I get "paid" for HS ball and all games outside of my community. When I umpire for my local Babe Ruth association, I am doing community service.

My wife does not quite understand my philosphy as she believes I should "volunteer" for the HS games and get paid for local games. Her rationale is that HS sports programs are facing severe funding problems while local youth programs are discretionary and the parents can pay the additional cost of umpires. Either way she does not object when we are able to get out to dinner with my game fees.