National Tournament Weekend

[NDblue]

Why is it that Host Rotation umpires don't get any travel expenses paid? I just made a 24 hour round trip to Hastings, NE and all I got was my room paid for. Any umpire fees I received were eaten up by fuel costs. Luckily, we were fed.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by NDblue

Why is it that Host Rotation umpires don't get any travel expenses paid? I just made a 24 hour round trip to Hastings, NE and all I got was my room paid for. Any umpire fees I received were eaten up by fuel costs. Luckily, we were fed.

No such animal. Types are Host, At Large, Rotation and Host Exchange. ASA only has provisions for At Large and Rotation umpires. Some tournaments will provide housing, even that is not required for "Host" umpires (Steve will confirm that).

This is why some UICs (when they have a say) go out of their way to try and send pairs of umpires as Host Exchange to cut transportation costs.

[gdc25]

Worked the Men's 16 inch A Slow Pitch in South Bend Indiana.

a couple of thoughts...

- 16 inch is a blast!

- South Bend treats the team in Blue like kings!

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by gdc25

Worked the Men's 16 inch A Slow Pitch in South Bend Indiana.

Is that softball, or team handball?

[NDblue]

I meant to type "host exchange".

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by NDblue

I meant to type "host exchange".

The host exchange is just that. The host "exchanges" a slot in their tournament for the promise the assn sending the umpire will accept an umpire from the host assn in return.

These meant much more before the territorial nationals, but if some areas want umpires to attend nationals, and the umpire wants to go, that's the price.

In my area, I have nothing to exchange, so I am at the mercy of the host assn. which in every case to date has always been very accommodating.

If these did not exist, many umpires would have a minimum opportunity to work a national. However, if the umpire wants to advance to the level where s/he can get assigned to the USA/ASA or achieve Elite status, this is what they have to do.