Can they do this?

[Dakota]

Originally posted by IRISHMAFIA
Article 311
C. Registration.
01. An umpire may register through the local association commissioner where he resides or works either as an umpire or in his regular occupation.

Since this allows an umpire to register where he works as an umpire, he can register just about anywhere he is willing to travel to take game assignments.

But, aren't we using the term "association" in two different ways here?

"Umpire Association" - to mean a somewhat loose organization of independent contactors formed to facilitate getting game assignments, conducting training, etc., for those umpires who join.

"ASA Local Association" - to mean the state or metro association recognizied by ASA as the sanctioning body for the local area. Or, as the ASA Code puts it,

Article 201 MEMBERSHIP. Upon proper application and qualification, membership in ASA shall be available to local associations, individuals, teams, umpires, scorekeepers, Council Members as further defined in this Code and organizations on a voluntary basis who agree to be governed by the Code, rules and regulations of ASA.
The Association shall have the following classes of membership.
A. Local Associations. The geographical area of the United States shall be divided into local associations each of which shall be represented by a commissioner who shall act as a liaison between such area and ASA. Each state of the United States shall be part of a local association. Local associations are defined as follows: {etc.}

So, as far as ASA is concerned, the umpire may register with any Local Association in which he resides, works in this job, or works as an umpire.

And, as far as ASA is concerned, they don't care which, if any, Umpire Associations this umpire joins.

If an Umpire Association tries to prohibit an umpire from getting game assignements for ASA games because their nose is out of joint that he left them for a different Umpire Association (or splits his time between two or more), I would guess a complaint to the local ASA Commissioner could get this Umpire Assoication in a bit of hot water.

At least, that is how I see it, but I am happy to admit that I tend to stay out of softball politics as best I can.

BTW, I also follow Glen's practice - once I accept a game / tournament, I will not drop it for "greener pastures." But, that is just personal integrity.