Retaining Younger Umpires

[MNBlue]

Originally Posted by Dholloway1962

However, I believe the biggest set back to keeping rookies is the high price of start up costs. How much does it cost to get all the gear your first year, I have estimated it between $500-$600 to get started. Hard for a 16-21 year old to come up with that kind of cash, let alone anyone!!

I will usually buy some new piece of equipment every year, and I generally have a 'newer' umpire willing to take my old piece of equipment off my hands. Saves them money, and gets the old equipment out of the house.

Obviously there are some pieces of equipment that can't be shared, and those will have to be covered by someone. A loan system could be set up. I do know that our association runs a balance to cover accounts receivable that have to be written off. We could certainly float a loan for new umpires to get them started.