umpiring at a higher level

[cmcallm]

That has always been motivation for me that I pass along to new umpires - you can move up fast if you're available (of course, you still have to do the job!). I tell the new guys that when word gets out that you umpire, your phone will ring: The first question will be, "Are you available?", and the second question will be, "Are you any good?". If you answer "Yes" to the first question, they won't care what you answer to the second...