Organizations

[SC Ump]

Originally Posted by Az.Ump

1) Say nothing...
2)
3) Be honest.
...

And when in doubt, go with #1.

But seriously, the way it is around here is...

Unless you are planning on trying to move up in one of the organizations, to become assignor or UIC or something like that, I would not worry much about the "stick to your base group" mentality. Most all the seasoned rec officials work multiple organizations. However, I find it best to just not mentioned to assigners of one organization if I have assignments with another. If I am not available on a particular weekend, I just say I am not available. For the tournament ball, and since teams sign with multiple organizations, too, the assignments with competing organizations usually do occur on the same weekends.

I say the above but if I am going to be fully forthcoming must tell you my actions would indicate otherwise. After many years in umpiring, I personally have chosen to work with only one organization. I got tired of paying so many registration fees and playing politics with so many different assigners. The assigners usually give preference to the people that (1) are always available & experienced, (2) are always available & inexperienced, (3) schmooze & pester them often, (4) everyone else on their list of those paying a registration fee. I hated when I would fall from category #1 to #4 if I missed even one weekend tournament.