ASA Nationals....Worth it????

[argodad]

Originally Posted by JEL

If you leave a National and have not become even a slightly more proficient umpire, you haven't paid attention!

If you leave a National and have not made new friendship with other folks who share the same passion for umpiring as you, then maybe you should stay home.

I've been able to work three ASA Nationals. I learned more about umpiring in those three tournaments than I did in years of local clinics and many seasons of working games with my own association.

But the best part is the friends you make. I've met some of the top officials in our game, and I regularly exchange e-mails with umpires from around the country. When I had my leg amputated, it was this network that put me in touch with other amputees who came back to call fastpitch. That encouragement was worth way more than any game fees I could have earned.

[nc452010]

By the time you buy new uniforms (which you would eventually anyway) and take time off from work (which you would for a vacation anyway) it wouldn't matter if Nationals paid $100.00 a game and you got 6 per day! It still isn't a money maker. And the prestige may not be worth squat to some,

Precisely why I haven't done one. I still may, one day. But don't take offense when folks say it doesn't mean that much to them. It's just true. I mean no disrespect in saying it. I pay good money to do things many think are crazy. It takes all kinds.

Is it ALL about the money? No. I get that. But, if it at least paid for the trip, it would make it more attractive to this umpire.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by nc452010

Precisely why I haven't done one. I still may, one day. But don't take offense when folks say it doesn't mean that much to them. It's just true. I mean no disrespect in saying it. I pay good money to do things many think are crazy. It takes all kinds.

Is it ALL about the money? No. I get that. But, if it at least paid for the trip, it would make it more attractive to this umpire.

Hmmm.....I've never lost money on a national.

[DeputyUICHousto]

I've been to 7 National Championships.

I've loved every single one of them. It didn't matter if I called 5 games in 5 days (which I had happen) or 25 games in 4 days (which has also happened). The idea of being in that 2% of umpires in the country to be "selected" to call a National Championship is a reward all in itself. I've made friends around the country that I still say in contact with. Not to mention the quality of the game.

If you're in it for the money stay home. If you want to go experience something great then go.

I've been treated like a king and I've been treated like a pauper. I think it depends on the location of the tournament. I was in a small town in Georgia where it appeared the city made living out of hosting National Tournaments and we were treated pretty poorly. Mobile, AL was great!!! I believe our host was J. Johnson and he had us all to his home where we were fed steak dinners. It was awesome.

That's just my 2 cents. Thanks for letting me ramble.

[nc452010]

The idea of being in that 2% of umpires in the country to be "selected" to call a National Championship is a reward all in itself.

I agree. I just didn't want to go. You did. I'm happy you're happy (sincerely).

IM...maybe "losing" money is harsh. It's just not THAT high on the priority list. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the field, though. I may absolutely change my mind in the future.

[vcblue]

My first National I was broke and the expense of Uniforms, etc. really hurt me. I went in with a "counting game" mentality. My attitude ruined my National experience and it showed in my umpiring.

The second National I did I saved for like I would save for a vacation and truly enjoyed the experience, and it showed in my umpiring. I learned a lot, and made good friends. Plus made it to Sunday.

You do need to be financial prepared to work a National. If you do not plan for it, like a vacation, then you and your umpiring will suffer. This is not fair to the tournament, teams, parents, and your fellow umpires. But, more important... this is not fair to yourself because you will not get out of it what you should have gotten out of it!

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by DeputyUICHousto

Mobile, AL was great!!! I believe our host was J. Johnson and he had us all to his home where we were fed steak dinners. It was awesome.

That's just my 2 cents. Thanks for letting me ramble.

Did you go swimming?

[DeputyUICHousto]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Did you go swimming?

No swimming...did I miss something? We did go to a Men's Club Monday (Labor Day)...until about 3am...missed my flight...that sucked.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by DeputyUICHousto

No swimming...did I miss something? We did go to a Men's Club Monday (Labor Day)...until about 3am...missed my flight...that sucked.

Maybe a different host. When I was in Mobile, we had a party at one of the local umpire's house and were invited to use the pool. Always had food available at the park, had a steak BBQ after championship game, went to a game at Hank Aaron Stadium and couldn't pay for a thing.

Had an offer to go back to another game the following day, but my partner and I were flying out of P'cola the next morning. Instead we went over to the USS Alabama Mem. Park which included the battleship used in Segal's Under Siege and a small aviation museum....along with some gators at times

And if you ask why fly through P'cola, just one reason. McGuire's Irish Pub on E Gregory St. Great food and that other stuff....you know, BEER!!!

[SRW]

Originally Posted by argodad

But the best part is the friends you make. I've met some of the top officials in our game, and I regularly exchange e-mails with umpires from around the country. When I had my leg amputated, it was this network that put me in touch with other amputees who came back to call fastpitch. That encouragement was worth way more than any game fees I could have earned.

Glad to help.