State and/or National Tournaments

[Steve M]

I'll answer some of these - but I can't address all of them.
Yes, you do get paid - check with the tournament directors as to how much.
The vast majority will be 2-man games.
Travel money depends on the tournament director, but most do not.
Lodging is usually provided and sometimes some meal money - check with your tournament director.
Strict dress codes are not always in place, but if you are somebody who has been brought in, you'd better believe that all are going to be watching you - how you dress, how you perform and how you conduct yourself off the field.
State tournaments - you'll make money. Nationals - probably not. In both, it's due to the number of games that you'll work.
Everyone follows the same path - through your district.

[Duke]

I too am from the Northeast. I have been an ASA/Federation ump for the past 15 years. Actually I am the UIC of a small board of about 20 umpires. Here in my state ASA covers the high schools.

I travel up to two hours one way to call ASA State and Regional tourneys. Most are held within 45 minute drive. No mileage reimburstment. I would say I usually make a small amount of money at these tourneys. If I choose to stay over night and not travel the hotel costs are on me. I have called three Nationals as a Host Exhange so travel has been on me. Two of these I drove and one I flew to. The last National was this past summer in Virginia when gas cost were at their highest. The Nationals cost me money but I am fortunate that my finacial status allows me the luxury to spend the money.
The path I took was to work many State tourneys then Regionals to get the recognition needed to move on to Nationals.

All our games at the State and Regional level at two man until you reach the final rounds when we start working three man.