The Forbidden Subject: Umpiring Fees

[paparada]

I will be taking over as assigning secretary nexty year for my organization. I am constantly being told "we need to get more money for these games!" I believe that umpiring fees are market driven. In other words, the area and what the teams/leagues are willing to pay as well as the competiitions fees will determine the fee. We have umpires who state fees in other areas. I fall back on my belief that the market drives fees, not what we truly want. I would be interested if anyone is willing to share with me, and obviously everyone else, the fees you are paid. Please include:
1 your area,
2 the fee you are paid,
3 single game, double header, or more,
4 the age group,
5 the number of innings played,
6 any rules local/league rules that allow the game to be better for umps and players alike (ex. run rules per inning, no fouls after 2 strikes, etc...)
7 any info you feel is pertinent.

I realize I am asking alot. If you don't feel comfortable releasing this info fine, but please do not lecture me on the profesionalism of this question. As a profesional umpire, which is what we are, fees are a part of our profession.

Thank You
Paul