Level of Play vs Level of Pay

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

If you are a member of an association which contracts multiple leagues and games and they need help, the umpire is still a member of that association and should help when possible.

I won't argue with that. However, there are varying degrees of "when possible." For example, this week, I will have worked every day or night umpiring or going to an umpire related meeting. This means that at least 5 hours of my day (often more) after work will have been consumed with umpiring. This Saturday, I have already been contacted by my HS assignor and two local ASA assignors about working games. I have declined all of them, because a) I want some time off, and b) I still like to spend time with my family and c) this weekend is Germanfest, and we had to miss it last year because I was umpiring, so I told my wife I would be sure not to schedule any games this year. Now, I am sure that all three of those assignors are probably assuming that I am not there when they need me, or something along those lines, but you know the old saying about when you "assume" something....

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

I won't argue with that. However, there are varying degrees of "when possible." For example, this week, I will have worked every day or night umpiring or going to an umpire related meeting. This means that at least 5 hours of my day (often more) after work will have been consumed with umpiring. This Saturday, I have already been contacted by my HS assignor and two local ASA assignors about working games. I have declined all of them, because a) I want some time off, and b) I still like to spend time with my family and c) this weekend is Germanfest, and we had to miss it last year because I was umpiring, so I told my wife I would be sure not to schedule any games this year. Now, I am sure that all three of those assignors are probably assuming that I am not there when they need me, or something along those lines, but you know the old saying about when you "assume" something....

You know what I have to say about this? Germanfest? What, have the Texas German's missed Oktoberfest by more than the month like the rest of those in this country do?

I am a firm believer in taking time off for family and a life. Of course, I would suggest this is part of a predetermined schedule made known to all assignors in advance instead of waiting for a call to turn them away.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

You know what I have to say about this? Germanfest? What, have the Texas German's missed Oktoberfest by more than the month like the rest of those in this country do?

I am a firm believer in taking time off for family and a life. Of course, I would suggest this is part of a predetermined schedule made known to all assignors in advance instead of waiting for a call to turn them away.

No. This is in in addition to Oktoberfest! You can never have too many adult beverage consuming, good food eating, fests, donchaknow!

As a matter of fact, as a warm up to Oktoberfest, there is a Czech based party on Labor Day Weekend in West, Texas, called WestFest.