Umpire Ethics

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by hbk314

Not to hijack the thread, but it's kind of related. Is it a conflict of interest in your opinions to umpire exclusively for the district you graduated from?

When did you graduate?

And, I wouldn't want to be at the same field more than twice per scholastic season, or see the same team more than three or four times -- so working only for one district is going to really restrict your schedule.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by scrounge

I would just tell your assignor the facts and let him give you input.

I agree with this advice. If you try to pick and choose which schools and divisions to block on your own, you'll end up limiting your availability at the detriment of your association.

Your assignor has (or should have) a good feel for the lay of the land with respect to athletic directors and coaches, and how amenable they are to accepting umpires. There may be a couple of very anal coaches who will do their homework on scheduled umpires, while there may be others who are happy with any umpire that has a reasonable level of skill, and yet others who are satisfied with two warm bodies in blue. Why take away opportunities to work games where the coaches don't care who is on the field?

What I wouldn't do is make it apparent that you have some affiliation with a school that can be perceived as a problem. You certainly wouldn't want to be quite vocal at your kid's game against Notre Dame Prep School, and then be the plate umpire for NDPS's next game.

[hbk314]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

When did you graduate?

And, I wouldn't want to be at the same field more than twice per scholastic season, or see the same team more than three or four times -- so working only for one district is going to really restrict your schedule.

Seven years ago.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by hbk314

Seven years ago.

I would say that is sufficient time so the fact that you graduated is not a conflict.

Working only for one district might be.

[johnnyg08]

Originally Posted by hbk314

Not to hijack the thread, but it's kind of related. Is it a conflict of interest in your opinions to umpire exclusively for the district you graduated from?

If you're doing below varsity it simply doesn't matter. Load up.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

If you're doing below varsity it simply doesn't matter. Load up.

Same thinking in my neighboring state. Many schools hire the same two umpires for the entire JV or freshman schedule and those umpires frequently live in town. Nobody bats an eye.

[hbk314]

Originally Posted by Rich

Same thinking in my neighboring state. Many schools hire the same two umpires for the entire JV or freshman schedule and those umpires frequently live in town. Nobody bats an eye.

I'm not sure how many different umpires he uses. As of now I only have five Frosh and a JV.

[DG]

I suggest you block out dates when your son plays and enjoy watching games from the bleachers. Let your assignor know why you have so many block out dates. And then leave it to him to assign your games when you are available.

I doubt he would block you from the same school's JV and Varsity games. Of course this assumes your son's games are not on the same days, and if so you have a choice to make.

[PATRICK]

IMHO, sub-varsity is irrelevant.

I used to do all the sub-varsity football at a certain HS.

I did so much, I got a 1099 most years.

I also worked a JV football game with the Superintendent of the home school!

Noone batted an eye.

[SuMo77k]

I would definitely stay clear of the school altogether. In my area, it's almost impossible to avoid the entire conference.
Yet here's a little bit different twist - I went to a catholic school where the team spirit was above average. Generations of families are tied to this school to the point that if I run into someone to this day, in any aspect of life, there's an immediate connection (#brotherhood) that's worthy of brownie points...(discounts, extra pepperoni, keychains, etc).
I stuck around for 2 years after I graduated as a manager/assistant for the basketball team. I began officiating basketball, then eventually softball & baseball because of my coach.
As time went on, things change, politics play their role and coach is no longer at my alma mater. He hasn't been there since about 8 years ago...
I was class of 96... I had NEVER been assigned or worked any sport there until this season, 2013. ALTHOUGH I know I am fully capable of exercising fair discretion. (and I have filled in on games at the last minute... with no issues).
I still to this day remain in contact with my coach and his family.
It's not that I don't have the integrity, it's that the reputation of others' affects what is perceived of me.

Better safe than out.
(Unless you're us, then the faster the outs, the sooner we're done.)