ISU86
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 17, 2017
- Messages
- 1,366
I umpire high school, junior college and NAIA softball. Started with the young kids when I was still in high school, set it aside while my kids were active, and picked it back up about ten years ago.
Another point to be made is, many times, being AVAILABLE can be as much (if not more) important/trumps being ABLE. Around this area, during the week most college games start at 2:00 PM, high school at 4:00 PM (generally they are doubleheaders) - and the assignors want you there thirty minutes to an hour minimum ahead of start time. The higher you move up, the lesser number of teams competing at that level and the further distance you end up traveling for your assignment. So the pool of officials is limited to begin with, and the younger generation(s) do not think it is worth the hassle (and I haven't even mentioned that, in most instances, we are essentially independent contractors and have to cover our own expenses, including equipment, registration(s), training, travel and uniforms).
Lots of folks love the game but lack the job flexibility to be consistently available during core work hours. And, unless/until you get to the top level, it is not financially feasible to do it as your profession.
As a side note, I recall Dick Vitale praising Ed Hightower while calling Big Ten games (not sure Dickie V has ever been in a Missouri Valley venue as a announcer). One night he mentions Ed is the principal for Alton (IL) High School. I have always wondered just how effective a principal he truly was (or much better he could have been) had he not been spending his winter pinballing around the Midwest.
Another point to be made is, many times, being AVAILABLE can be as much (if not more) important/trumps being ABLE. Around this area, during the week most college games start at 2:00 PM, high school at 4:00 PM (generally they are doubleheaders) - and the assignors want you there thirty minutes to an hour minimum ahead of start time. The higher you move up, the lesser number of teams competing at that level and the further distance you end up traveling for your assignment. So the pool of officials is limited to begin with, and the younger generation(s) do not think it is worth the hassle (and I haven't even mentioned that, in most instances, we are essentially independent contractors and have to cover our own expenses, including equipment, registration(s), training, travel and uniforms).
Lots of folks love the game but lack the job flexibility to be consistently available during core work hours. And, unless/until you get to the top level, it is not financially feasible to do it as your profession.
As a side note, I recall Dick Vitale praising Ed Hightower while calling Big Ten games (not sure Dickie V has ever been in a Missouri Valley venue as a announcer). One night he mentions Ed is the principal for Alton (IL) High School. I have always wondered just how effective a principal he truly was (or much better he could have been) had he not been spending his winter pinballing around the Midwest.
