getting new officials ??

[SWFLguy]

I have become convinced that the only way most areas will ever recruit and retain new officials is to pay more $$$$$ !!!
I live in an area that is not only growing--new schools being built--but
the umpires are a bit "long in the tooth" as it were.
Looking at the cost (money and time) involved for a beginning umpire-- gear, uniforms,
attending meetings, taking tests-- it is no wonder why we are all having
a hard time getting new people. When you look at the financial return--
you do not have to be a CPA to see why so few would want to get into umpiring-- or for that matter, officiating most any sport !
I think it is high time that the powers that be--state and local get serious about attracting new and quality officials.
When you look at the total budget of most schools-- I do not think it would
be unreasonable to pay officals for many sports in the $100 a game range.
Imagine your next next association meeting when those levels of pay are
made available !!

[LIIRISHMAN]

I take it SWFL that your from Florida. I'm from LI New York and can tell you that our Varsity Umpires are making over $100 a game. I worked with a fellow ump who also does games in Sunny Fla.and he told me they were getting somewhere in the range of $40 a game. Now we don't get paid for mileage or get a dressing room but we do get paid well. In today's world a Umpire doing Varsity level should be paid $75 a game as a start everywhere in the USA. Otherwise you will be working alone or with unqualified people. I agree it's time for School administrators to wake up and pay officials a decent wage.

[JEL]

Geez, I'd love to make a hundred bucks a game, and yes, I do believe it's worth it! I make around $50 bucks for varsity, and only $62.50 for college.

While I don't have an answer, I don't believe more pay will recruit more QUALITY umpires. It may recruit the kind that is only after quick cash.

Our association has been given a huge shot in the arm this year. We have added around 15 new umps this year which is about a 25% increase! Surely not all will stay and move up to the HS circuit, be hopefully some will. We have two weeks of "rec" ball over now, and after watching some of our new folks, and getting reports on all, and working with a couple, I have been impressed!

I have asked some why they wanted to start umpiring, and the usual answer is something like "I love being around ball, and the kids," or "I have always enjoyed ball, and want to give something back," but a few have said (in effect) "you guys make it look fun!" I have never heard anyone mention the pay.

While there are some "unpleasentries" associated with umpiring, if the "fun" and comraderie is pushed, most new guys will stick around, and the bad will be weeded out on their own.

More cash would be nice still though, but I still don't think that is the answer.

[Skahtboi]

Here we go with this discussion again. Sadly, since it was last raised on this board, nothing has changed in Texas. TASO umpires still make $35.00 a game for JV and varsity, with .44 a mile for mileage. Collegiate umpires make $60.00 to $75.00 a game, with no mileage being paid.

[Mountaineer]

I don't think anyone would disagree with the idea that it's worth more than $50 a game. In WV we get $50 for HS varsity and $40 for JV and make $130 for a college DH ($140 next year) with no mileage paid for any level. I have a college weekend trip coming up with 3 DH's - I'll make $390 and get no travel, have 2 overnights with meals . . . I'm guessing I'll clear under $250 . . . that's a shame.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by Mountaineer

I don't think anyone would disagree with the idea that it's worth more than $50 a game. In WV we get $50 for HS varsity and $40 for JV and make $130 for a college DH ($140 next year) with no mileage paid for any level. I have a college weekend trip coming up with 3 DH's - I'll make $390 and get no travel, have 2 overnights with meals . . . I'm guessing I'll clear under $250 . . . that's a shame.

Doesn't the school provide you with your rooms??? I just got back from a two day, four game stint and all I had to pay for was food and the gas to get my van there.