Australia vs. USA

[Steve M]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Well, it sure sounds like some of it is about the money.

I have never seen a traveling umpire not have a hotel room at a national. And to address Steve's issue before he jumps in, there can be issues with what the host determines to be a "traveling" umpire and, unfortunately, this is part of where the umpires run into conflict with the commissioners.

I agree that the minimum pay rate is too low, but it will never be able to compete with local tournaments as the expenses are enormously greater at the national.

This is a shortcoming of the council. Over the past six years, every time someone talks about money, the first target that falls into their sights is the umpire. National tournaments are no longer an "honor" for the host (as it is the umpire), but they are actually looking to make money. Over the past 5-6 years, they have cut many tournament games from 3-umpire to 2-umpire games TO SAVE MONEY. They have increased the allowance for the number of hosts umpires TO SAVE MONEY. However, many, if not most, national tournaments pay umpires higher than the minimum.

OTOH, I have been able to work some great games and tournaments because I chose to take the steps to get there. There is no doubt that I got the right tournaments which put me on the path, but I busted my hump to get to the level of being qualified and available for those tournaments. And, yes, I did have to pay for ONE weeklong clinic. But I have never come home with less money than I left.

Obviously, it is up to each umpire as we all have reasons for certain commitments or not. Some just do not have access to the path needed to be taken and that just isn't right. OTOH, if you just don't work certain games because you think "I'm never going anywhere", how would anyone know you would evenly remotely interested in moving up?

Oh, well, to each their own, just curious.

Yeah, the hotel was an issue - but that's done.
Since an ASA gig is not an option, I'll do another group's national in Ohio next week. Chances are good that there won't be more than 2-3 games per day, and that's OK with me. Part of what I'm looking forward to is what happens in between games and when we're all done for the day. It's interesting to travel to another area and watch the umpires there and talk with them. I learn something from just about every umpire I see or work with - it ranges from "Hmmm, that's good, I've got to try that." to "OMG, I don't ever want to do anything like that."