Scruples

[Tony B]

I'm digging my head out of the lurking hole once again to get your thoughts on how you would handle this

I belong to 3 different umpiring associations

"A" is a HS association I consider my primary association who has a few college contracts.

"B" is a HS association I like to work but isn't convenient to work too frequently, but up to this point hasn't had any college ball.

"C" assigns JuCo & NAIA (sorry nothing bigger in my neck of the woods so no D-I in my future)

So far there really hasn't been any conflict among the three. I have a feeling that is about to change. I heard through the grapevine today that my secondary HS association "B" just won the contract for a nearby JuCo which up until this point was handled by yet another association which is about 100 miles away. Apparently both of my other associations bid on it and lost. I don't think there is going to be a problem with "C" they are very laid back and understanding about most things.

"A" is going to be a very different story. They are very possessive and get a bit uptight when I accept games elsewhere they even expect me to drop games with other associations at their bidding which is frustrating. But they have the most games and they are more convenient. The booking agent typically will say things like "Yes you are independent contractors, but I'm not obligated to assign to games either." He has also said when we competed with another group for an AAU tournament that they did not get -- but the client did eventually come back to us to do their tourneys-- that "If we work games for an association we lost a bid to, it's the same as screwing us and you can expect your game count to go down"

Here's another tidbit, B & C will publish my entire season's schedule in February, A posts them out 2ish weeks in advance then will get upset when I'm already scheduled and can't take a game they want me to do.

I am anticipating "A" getting ticked when they find I will be doing these games somewhat frequently, but I don't want to hurt my primary HS schedule. "A" doesn't give me much college just 2-3 games/year.

With "B" they don't have as many guys who can handle more than the typical JuCo or NAIA game which calls it's self. For better or worse honestly have more issues than I really would expect handling your M1A1 HS game. That being said I am expecting to get my fair share of these.

My question is to what cost?

How would you handle this?

Thanks for your input, I'm crawling back in my hole.

[Thunderheads]

out of all 3 associations, ..... how many games do you get per year total?

[Mr Umpire]

For me, I'd work my schedule my way. It may not apply to you or "A" is who you want to umpire for more. But, I'll umpire for those who appreciate me and my time. I'm not there for their time. Since umpiring is not a main job, the associations related to it will not even make me think about feeling bad for the decisions I make.

There is no advice any of us can give you. We don't know your situation or your ambitions or desires. For me, "A" would be pushing themselves to the bottom of the list and eventually, they may get tired of that and leave. Wouldn't bother me much. I understand the money may be good with them but I wouldn't care. The money is extra for me so they will not dictate my decisions.

As far as handling it, I'd handle it by scheduling with who comes first and fill in any holes I want to with those who come later. If "A" wants you bad enough, they may want to think about scheduling more at a time and try to be first about it. I'll give up an entire association to avoid drama off the field.

[UmpJeff]

For me, I'd work my schedule my way...

Exactly! I would dictate to each group when I would be available by simply saying..."these are my open dates." Because umpiring is not my primary job and it's my personal time I'm giving them (and to other associations), their needing to know what I'm doing on the dates I haven't given them is simply none of their business.

But, as others have mentioned above, your situation is truly your own and nobody can really tell you what to do. It's all in what you want to do.

[yawetag]

A posts them out 2ish weeks in advance then will get upset when I'm already scheduled

Do you tell them you're already scheduled? I'd just tell them I'm busy. If they're using Arbiter (or another system you update your availability on), I can understand their frustration -- it's your job to keep that availability up-to-date.

[mstaylor]

I agree that I would take the schedules as they come. If they do use Arbiter then close out anything that is already scheduled, the downside is all the assigners can see if you are scheduled anywhere on Arbiter just not where. If A's assignor compains, tell him you fill your schedule on a first come, first serve basis and you won't turn in a game elsewhere for a better or closer game for anybody, but that is a two way street. Make it clear that if he assigns you somewhere you won't turn him in for another group.

[spiritump]

I would work the best ball I can--quality instead of quantity--in the end you will make more $$$$$--you will make more contacts working college that will lead to better games--THE CREAM ALWAYS RISES TO THE TOP--good luck

[mstaylor]

I would work the best ball I can--quality instead of quantity--in the end you will make more $$$--you will make more contacts working college that will lead to better games--THE CREAM ALWAYS RISES TO THE TOP--good luck

True, better ball makes you a better umpire in most cases. Just don't get a reputation for turning in a lesser game for a better game. I NEVER pass off a low level game for a higher level without a ton of notice, I assure the assignor I will keep it if it throws under the bus or I am the assignor. Nothing will kick you to the bottom of the list faster than being known for not showing or bumping games. We actually suspended a couple of guys for a season for that very practice.

[BigUmp56]

I would work the best ball I can--quality instead of quantity--in the end you will make more $$--you will make more contacts working college that will lead to better games--THE CREAM ALWAYS RISES TO THE TOP--good luck

True, better ball makes you a better umpire in most cases. Just don't get a reputation for turning in a lesser game for a better game. I NEVER pass off a low level game for a higher level without a ton of notice, I assure the assignor I will keep it if it throws under the bus or I am the assignor. Nothing will kick you to the bottom of the list faster than being known for not showing or bumping games. We actually suspended a couple of guys for a season for that very practice.

Sage advice, Michael. By God if you take a game, then you'd better show up. There are times when I turn games down simply because of who they schedule with me. There are umpires in our association who are known for not being dependable. I've been stuck alone by a few of them too many times, and will not accept a game with them as a partner.

Tim.

[noumpere]

In addition to what the others said, block out some days for A before you get your schedule from B and C. For example, reserve every Tues and Thurs and alternate Sats for A. Then fill up on B and C and also block any dates they dont initially assign you. Make all these avail for A and open back up for B and C for rain outs etc. in 2 week increments when you get the schedule from A.

[cyclonehokiece]

I agree that I would take the schedules as they come. If they do use Arbiter then close out anything that is already scheduled, the downside is all the assigners can see if you are scheduled anywhere on Arbiter just not where. If A's assignor compains, tell him you fill your schedule on a first come, first serve basis and you won't turn in a game elsewhere for a better or closer game for anybody, but that is a two way street. Make it clear that if he assigns you somewhere you won't turn him in for another group.

This has been what I have always done. However, if one association is starting to give you crap about working games for other associations, it may be time to let them go. If they want members exclusively, it should be part of the membership bylaws/agreement you make when you pay your dues. Then everyone is on the same page. Otherwise, the independent contractor part takes over for me. I will never turn down games once assigned for another game (unless it is for uncontrolled reasons where I can no longer work that day or a trade within the same association that benefits the assignor, such as getting guys for rainouts at a specific spot and it is easier to fill my original game), but if the date is open, one comes with games, and I am willing to take them, I will accept and place a block in my schedule.

[UmpTTS43]

I would hope that one organization did not undercut another on a contract situation. If that was the case, I would drop that organization toot sweet. Associations have to realize that there are sometimes more baseball than umpires. If they don't get it, too bad.