NAFA Does Not Last Long In This Area

[wadeintothem]

Originally Posted by whiskers_ump

The only pay at the plate we have is travel ball. HS and college, check sent to
the umpire that called the game by the school that was home team. Even ASA
tournaments here are pay at the plate.

That is pretty degrading IMO, and embarrassing.

But i've heard the texas umpire situation discussed a lot over at Heybucket, including this aspect. I think that area could use a little revamping. Part of that overhaul could be a more professional organization and billing system.

[topper]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

That is pretty degrading IMO, and embarrassing.

But i've heard the texas umpire situation discussed a lot over at Heybucket, including this aspect. I think that area could use a little revamping. Part of that overhaul could be a more professional organization and billing system.

I seriously doubt that the officials; you know, the ones out on the field working, feel degraded or embarrassed by accepting their pay up front, on the field. There are several tournaments every weekend in this area. Each one with it's own assignor/UIC. What compensation for his/her duties that person negotiates with the tournament hosts is his/her concern. As Steve M said, we are independant contractors and like it that way. Please keep your "big government" approach and any revamping to yourself.

[whiskers_ump]

Originally Posted by topper

I seriously doubt that the officials; you know, the ones out on the field working, feel degraded or embarrassed by accepting their pay up front, on the field. There are several tournaments every weekend in this area. Each one with it's own assignor/UIC. What compensation for his/her duties that person negotiates with the tournament hosts is his/her concern. As Steve M said, we are independant contractors and like it that way. Please keep your "big government" approach and any revamping to yourself.

Hear Ye Hear Ye...Thank you Topper.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by topper

I seriously doubt that the officials; you know, the ones out on the field working, feel degraded or embarrassed by accepting their pay up front, on the field. There are several tournaments every weekend in this area. Each one with it's own assignor/UIC. What compensation for his/her duties that person negotiates with the tournament hosts is his/her concern. As Steve M said, we are independant contractors and like it that way. Please keep your "big government" approach and any revamping to yourself.

Well, obviously, it all depends on where you are standing as to whether this is true or not, or if such an operating format would succeed or not.

BTW, who is talking about big government?

[wadeintothem]

Originally Posted by topper

I seriously doubt that the officials; you know, the ones out on the field working, feel degraded or embarrassed by accepting their pay up front, on the field. There are several tournaments every weekend in this area. Each one with it's own assignor/UIC. What compensation for his/her duties that person negotiates with the tournament hosts is his/her concern. As Steve M said, we are independant contractors and like it that way. Please keep your "big government" approach and any revamping to yourself.

It's definitely a different approach than I am accustomed to. Better? I'm not sure, but I'll let it rest as it is. No purpose would be served by debating it IMO.

[topper]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

It's definitely a different approach than I am accustomed to. Better? I'm not sure, but I'll let it rest as it is. No purpose would be served by debating it IMO.

Understand that our "approach" evolved (or devolved if you like) IMO due to the lack of a viable local or regional association. Once credability and trust are lost, it's difficult to regain them. Even when it comes to Skahtboi's precious TASO. We have been dealing with this situation so long here that change would be difficult to affect.

[bkbjones]

We can "get a draw any time," which is not true and to me is demeaning. Some of the money goes for "overhead," which we really don't have for ASA FP games. Well, I take that back. We pay an assignor who doesn't assign ASA FP tournament games. The only overhead is the eventual generation of a 1099 and the postage to send a check -- both of which are an effort of time, money and effort.

We get demeaned if we want to buy more than a case of water and a bunch of bananas for a territorial or national tournament, much less a weekend. Never mind that we are several, multiple, thousands of dollars in the black. (We're in better shape than the Big 3 auto makers.)

We have to ask for a draw which "can be done weekly." Yep. Sure can. Of course then you get put down for asking for a draw -- for our OWN money that WE have earned. Heaven forbid we should ever ever ever go to a cash system, or even allow some extremely trustworthy individual such as SRW to be able to get enough cash outta the bank to pay umpires.

[CajunNewBlue]

We get paid by check as we leave the game, every game. glad I work where I work... fuq waiting on my money, I earned it.
And I try as I might I am never embarrassed or demeaned getting my $25 or $30 bucks in cash from a coach at the plate meeting during the travel ball season... maybe my standards are too low?.... but then again I hang out with you guys!!

[wadeintothem]

Originally Posted by bkbjones

We get demeaned if we want to buy more than a case of water and a bunch of bananas for a territorial or national tournament, much less a weekend. Never mind that we are several, multiple, thousands of dollars in the black. (We're in better shape than the Big 3 auto makers.)

We have to ask for a draw which "can be done weekly." Yep. Sure can. Of course then you get put down for asking for a draw -- for our OWN money that WE have earned. Heaven forbid we should ever ever ever go to a cash system, or even allow some extremely trustworthy individual such as SRW to be able to get enough cash outta the bank to pay umpires.

Thats a shame.

[SRW]

Originally Posted by bkbjones

We can "get a draw any time," which is not true and to me is demeaning. Some of the money goes for "overhead," which we really don't have for ASA FP games. Well, I take that back. We pay an assignor who doesn't assign ASA FP tournament games. The only overhead is the eventual generation of a 1099 and the postage to send a check -- both of which are an effort of time, money and effort.

We get demeaned if we want to buy more than a case of water and a bunch of bananas for a territorial or national tournament, much less a weekend. Never mind that we are several, multiple, thousands of dollars in the black. (We're in better shape than the Big 3 auto makers.)

We have to ask for a draw which "can be done weekly." Yep. Sure can. Of course then you get put down for asking for a draw -- for our OWN money that WE have earned. Heaven forbid we should ever ever ever go to a cash system, or even allow some extremely trustworthy individual such as SRW to be able to get enough cash outta the bank to pay umpires.

There you go again, telling lies about me.

Seriously though, I would admit that our system is quite antiquated. Repeated attempts to improve efficiency and reduce effort have been poo-poo'd. It'll take a strong leader with a complete understanding of the whole picture to fix it... and a board that will back "breaking tradition."

[IRISHMAFIA]

Personally, I'd rather NOT have the money. Let the association(s) hold it for me and give me a lump sum at the end of the season.

It is an effective manner of saving money without a bank account and it makes it easier to manage the paperwork for tax purposes.

Others may think it is silly, but if it is in my pocket as I make it, it is gone that much quicker and it seems like I'm making next to nothing.

[wadeintothem]

Originally Posted by topper

Understand that our "approach" evolved (or devolved if you like) IMO due to the lack of a viable local or regional association. Once credability and trust are lost, it's difficult to regain them. Even when it comes to Skahtboi's precious TASO. We have been dealing with this situation so long here that change would be difficult to affect.

Actually, on the other site, the Texas umpire situation is compained about quite a bit. If you read the Texas board, umpires are quite the topic. Those are your client's and they are apprarently not happy. So whatever situation is going on in Texas, it is being reflected in how your clients are perceiving you. I hope you guys are able to work out these issues.

[topper]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

Actually, on the other site, the Texas umpire situation is compained about quite a bit. If you read the Texas board, umpires are quite the topic. Those are your client's and they are apprarently not happy. So whatever situation is going on in Texas, it is being reflected in how your clients are perceiving you. I hope you guys are able to work out these issues.

What other site? Got on the heybucket TX board but didn't find what you're referring to although I'm sure it's there. I'm interested to know what our "clients'" perception of us is.

Interesting that you throw a blanket over the entire state. Texas is pretty big. I can be in Mobile quicker than I can El Paso or Lubbock. You may as well just extend your blanket to cover the entire Gulf Coast.

I probably won't take it personally if people that play 6-8 (or even 2) hrs from here are upset with their umpiring situation.

[whiskers_ump]

Originally Posted by topper

What other site? Got on the heybucket TX board but didn't find what you're referring to although I'm sure it's there. I'm interested to know what our "clients'" perception of us is.

Interesting that you throw a blanket over the entire state. Texas is pretty big. I can be in Mobile quicker than I can El Paso or Lubbock. You may as well just extend your blanket to cover the entire Gulf Coast.

I probably won't take it personally if people that play 6-8 (or even 2) hrs from here are upset with their umpiring situation.

Did not see it either.

[wadeintothem]

Originally Posted by topper

What other site? Got on the heybucket TX board but didn't find what you're referring to although I'm sure it's there. I'm interested to know what our "clients'" perception of us is.

Interesting that you throw a blanket over the entire state. Texas is pretty big. I can be in Mobile quicker than I can El Paso or Lubbock. You may as well just extend your blanket to cover the entire Gulf Coast.

I probably won't take it personally if people that play 6-8 (or even 2) hrs from here are upset with their umpiring situation.

Looking through the summer threads, it seems the San Marcos/Austin umps bore the brunt of the ire, so apologies for any implied generalization.

Admittedly, it could be austin area parents are just more whiney.