Why do you umpire?
 

Just curious........

Scott,

I think you've forgotten an option:
Give the sport something back, it gave to me.

Can't vote.

The reason I do it is because I enjoy it. That option wasn't given!

>>For the good of the game.<<
The game would be good with or without me! although I do try and help.
>>For "the girls;" players.<<
This could get a maybe, but there are men in the game too!
>>Money. I have a lot of debts.<<
Really have no debts. I will stop umpiring after my first million though!
>>Power. I like the control!<<
Not really. With power comes confrontation at times.
>>Exercise. Have you seen my waistline?<<
I haven't had a waistline in 30 years!
>>Comfort. I like putting on the uni and going through the motions.<<
I could think of more comfortable options.
>>I have absolutely nothing better to do with my time.<<
Nope, just had first grandchild! Nothing better than playing with her!
>>It gets me out of doing all of those "honey do's" on the weekend.<<
Honey calls with me on the weekends!

Actually, if I was forced to choose from the list, it would have to be for the good of the game, but to me it is simply enjoying!

Can I just answer ALL BUT D.

I see that as "for the game" myself.

The quote "for the girls" is from another thread on this board, the one that gave me the idea for the poll. (Tongue in cheek though it may be.) I added the word "players" to encompass all who play the game. Sorry that wasn't clearer.

But "D" is the most fun.

Just kidding...put the stones away folks. :eek:

All of the above.

The money is probably the #1 benefit. It pays for everything that falls under the category of summer fun.

I am off every July-Aug so it gives some structure to my days (nights).

Umpiring has become more fun this year (my 6th) as my confidence level and mechanics took a significant jump.

I do give back by working charity tournaments, performing evaluations and instructing.

And who doesn't love working with the girls? A team in a tournament 2 weeks ago announced that they didn't wear underwear. I offered to be their personal umpire.

I agree, Alex! That's exactly why I started umpiring.

Why do I keep umpiring? Good exercise, fun times, gives me a good challenge to keep pushing myself to becoming better at something, good service to the sport... Lots of reasons, really.

But mostly... I'm just friggin' addicted to it. I'm hooked. It's in my blood, and that's just that!

Scott,

"For the good of the game" means "I love this game so much, I won't stay out of it" to me. I was fortunate as a player to be part of one TOP-team in Holland. So I was able to have some great European Cup-tournaments. Gratefull to the sport and my former club I decided to umpire for a while after I (had to) quit as a player.
So I still think I can't vote...

I was an athlete. I loved competition and the intensity of the game. I never got that as a coach (20 years) but I did as an umpire. I am on the field. I make a difference. It seems I spend at least 1/3rd of what I make on training and equipment but it is worth it when I get to point to the pitcher and say "play ball".

Fixed it for you. :D

I dare assert that to do our job well, there's still an amount of athleticism involved. Sure, some of us have the pot belly, but we're still hustling on every play of the game, not just half the time like those other people on the field.

Looks like there is a wide variety of reasons for umpiring represented on this board!

I hope you're sinical; otherwise there's something completely wrong with your capacity in math and statistics...:o

Sadly Sander, and our mutual friend Larry W. will back me up on this, I am frequently, and at the most odd of times, cynical! ;)