Help Wanted (article on recruiting new officials)

[Forksref]

Originally Posted by whitehat

I hear Ya. In Colorado we just got a token (i.e. insult) $1 per game raise. Now we get $57 for a varsity contest...obviously we are not in it for the $$

In ND we get 77 for a varsity.

In SD, for varsity, they raised it to $100 to make it more attractive. I'd be interested to see if it works.

[CT1]

Our state is offering "Officiating 101" classes as an elective in high schools beginning this fall. I believe the students will be able to help call middle-school games at some point in the curriculum.

The purpose, of course, is to expose students to the art of officiating while they're young, and hope some of them will take it up after they graduate.

[Andy]

I am a softball umpire here in AZ.

We are desperately trying to recruit and retain officials for both HS and summer league play.

I have spoken to several HS and club based softball teams about the players taking up umpiring when they are done playing and the most common response I get is:

No, thank you. I have seen the crap you guys take from my parents and the fans while I have been playing for the last several years. I don't need that.

[SE Minnestoa Re]

Originally Posted by Andy

I am a softball umpire here in AZ.

We are desperately trying to recruit and retain officials for both HS and summer league play.

I have spoken to several HS and club based softball teams about the players taking up umpiring when they are done playing and the most common response I get is:

No, thank you. I have seen the crap you guys take from my parents and the fans while I have been playing for the last several years. I don't need that.

That is the truth. Combine it with employers that don't want to be flexible, it is a wonder we get anyone to want to work games.