[QUOTE=yawetag;755119]Good point, Rich, and it's true. Using Arbiter, the assignor should know if the original officials are available. While it's conceivable to do such, it's also difficult to check officials for dozens of games that are likely rained out at the same time. If it's one or two games due to a cancellation, I could see checking; but I don't expect my assignor to check every official's availability the day after a rain that postpones every game in the area.

What if the official already has a game scheduled, but it's a lower-level game (whether by class or grade level)? Do you pull the official off the previously-assigned game to give him an opportunity at the "better" game?[/QUOTE]

I do see pulling umpire for other games as a problem in our chapter. I am a fan of Arbiter and the resources it alows us. However, when we have to be waiting at 1100 for self assign games like a pack of dogs for three bones that are thrown out, it is not fair or prudent. My point is this, senior officials get assigned to a mens league game and the 5 year and unders have to fight for a self assign. Three times this week a senior partner has been pulled for a better/more significant game. I don't have a problem with seasoned people getting better assignments. I DO HAVE a problem when threre are no games for a two week stretch for others to work games and get better. I am more than satisfied with my schedule and scheduler. However, there are many umpires that came in with me that are just as good and grade out higher than some senior umpires. They just can't sit there at 1100p.m. and hit self assign over and over for the chance at two games posted each night.

[QUOTE=jophyal;755139]We don't have those problems here since we don't have a central assignor. What we do have are umpires who should never, ever, ever see a varsity field who routinely work varsity games and coaches who, for the most part, don't notice that these guys are regularly out of position or have strike zones that can be best described as "flip a coin." Some coaches like these guys, because they know that these guys are weak and will allow the coaches to run roughshod over them during games. When umpires in 2011 are still using pillows behind the plate, couldn't hope to get to second on a trouble ball to right field, and are still assigned as crew chiefs for sectional games, I just laugh and realize the system is *broken*.

The better umpires should routinely work the better games. I'm not sure what you mean by "grade out." If you're talking about exams, then I'm not all that impressed. Baseball is, for the most part, a game where 90% of your reputation is built on balls/strikes and handling/working with coaches. That has nothing to do with rules knowledge, but everything to do with timing, judgment, positioning, and dealing with people.

Sounds like you need a central assignor. :D

Their idea of "better" doesn't necessarily square up with others', either. All systems are broken.

Rich, we are evaluated by coaches and each other. Arbiter does allow for a nice process of evaluating such things as on time arrival, appearance, and mechanics. We are routinely evaluated by board members.

And the assignor still assigns who he wants, right?

Yes... I just got an email from them unassigning someone from my game tonight. He owed me two buckets. It is my turn with the replacement and I had two plates Sat and Sun.

Anarchist. :D