How would you deal with this?

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by pob14

As Jeff R. knows, in Illinois all you have to do to work HS baseball, even varsity, is register, take the test, and attend a clinic (which does not necessarily include any on-field work).

I am sure that is the way it is in other places as well if the assignor wants to give you a game. But it must be noted that there are only just over 3000 umpires statewide. Basketball (the main state sport) doubles that in numbers and a basketball assignor can pick and choose who they want to work any game. I am sure about 1/3 of the that baseball number are not regular HS umpires, who only have a license so they can work some local league as the many youth leagues require umpires to have a license for perceived liability issues. So that leaves guys who are not only available at 4:00 or 4:30, but guys who want to work at that time or even decide to work games at all. And with the volatile weather in this part of the state or country, I know that guys that cannot stop what they are doing to work the make-up, so you get a guy that is not experienced or not as experienced to work the rescheduled game. I have worked with enough of those, it is not uncommon.

Peace