Perfect games Umpires

[Magic]

 

 

Nope- there is nothing sweet about getting $55-$70 for a game like this.

$12 per each 15 min of secheduled game time rounded up.

Where do you work, that they pay you more during the offseason? All of the games I do fall in the $55-$75 for 2 man baseball 7-9 inning games.

 

My point is if they are paying $700 $1500 per tournament AND they want quality umpires $55-$75 is TOO low.

Fall here is $6.00 per 15 min of scheduled ball.

 

 

So you work a 2 hour game and make $48?

 

I worked an Under Armor Tournament and did the simple math on what the profit was for the man in charge:

 

The tournament charged $1000 per team. Each team is guaranteed 4 games. 2 man crew, making $60/game. So right off the top $240 goes to umpire fees. All of the games were played at local Junior Colleges. Each location was charging roughly $2,500 for the use of the fields and ground crews to get the fields ready in between games. 4 games a day. So roughly $300/ per team for field use. So now we are at $540 of the $1,000 used up. They supplied all baseballs, So each team probably used a case of baseballs. So lets say $40 per team there. They had a Site director at each location. These guys were doing scouting blogs, as well as giving information to scouts and coaches an handling any problems. I think I heard they make $1,000 for the tournament. So approximately $100 per team. That is $680. Now that doesn't include Insurance  and all incidentals. Lets says that is another $100 per team. So this guy was clearing maybe $200 per team for all of the stuff he was doing. Now that is not bad if you can get 100+ teams in the tournament. But these smaller tournaments, there isn't that kind of profit. 

[BigUmpire]

 

 

 

Nope- there is nothing sweet about getting $55-$70 for a game like this.

$12 per each 15 min of secheduled game time rounded up.

Where do you work, that they pay you more during the offseason? All of the games I do fall in the $55-$75 for 2 man baseball 7-9 inning games.

 

My point is if they are paying $700 $1500 per tournament AND they want quality umpires $55-$75 is TOO low.

Fall here is $6.00 per 15 min of scheduled ball.

 

 

So you work a 2 hour game and make $48?

 

Yep. BUT if the team paid $1500-$700 to play, not $75, I would want more.

[Magic]

 

 

 

 

Nope- there is nothing sweet about getting $55-$70 for a game like this.

$12 per each 15 min of secheduled game time rounded up.

Where do you work, that they pay you more during the offseason? All of the games I do fall in the $55-$75 for 2 man baseball 7-9 inning games.

 

My point is if they are paying $700 $1500 per tournament AND they want quality umpires $55-$75 is TOO low.

Fall here is $6.00 per 15 min of scheduled ball.

 

 

So you work a 2 hour game and make $48?

 

Yep. BUT if the team paid $1500-$700 to play, not $75, I would want more.

 

 

And you completely have that right. If you don't like the pay, you can  turn down the assignments. 

[BigUmpire]

 

 

 

 

 

Nope- there is nothing sweet about getting $55-$70 for a game like this.

$12 per each 15 min of secheduled game time rounded up.

Where do you work, that they pay you more during the offseason? All of the games I do fall in the $55-$75 for 2 man baseball 7-9 inning games.

 

My point is if they are paying $700 $1500 per tournament AND they want quality umpires $55-$75 is TOO low.

Fall here is $6.00 per 15 min of scheduled ball.

 

 

So you work a 2 hour game and make $48?

 

Yep. BUT if the team paid $1500-$700 to play, not $75, I would want more.

 

 

And you completely have that right. If you don't like the pay, you can  turn down the assignments. 

 

I have and will. Lots of smittys and 16 year olds to do slave wage games. THAT IS THE PROBLEM!

[ALStripes17]

In league fall ball, isn't every PLAYER paying $75? ... so each team is forking out upwards of $900 for 10 games or so?

I don't disagree with you @BigUmpire that great umpires for good baseball are rare and should be compensated as such; however, the overall market drives negotiations.

I have some of the best Alabama HS state playoff umpires at my disposal; however, if I bumped my price up, then another assignor (I.e. businessman) would do it for less.

Once the product is proven, then my negotiations can be better equipped.

Like I said, travel tournaments in Central AL are somewhat new. Most of our teams go places instead of staying home and hosting.

[Magic]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nope- there is nothing sweet about getting $55-$70 for a game like this.

$12 per each 15 min of secheduled game time rounded up.

Where do you work, that they pay you more during the offseason? All of the games I do fall in the $55-$75 for 2 man baseball 7-9 inning games.

 

My point is if they are paying $700 $1500 per tournament AND they want quality umpires $55-$75 is TOO low.

Fall here is $6.00 per 15 min of scheduled ball.

 

 

So you work a 2 hour game and make $48?

 

Yep. BUT if the team paid $1500-$700 to play, not $75, I would want more.

 

 

And you completely have that right. If you don't like the pay, you can  turn down the assignments. 

 

I have and will. Lots of smittys and 16 year olds to do slave wage games. THAT IS THE PROBLEM!

 

 

Are you calling us smittys because we work for $55-$70/game? I am not sure name calling is appropriate. 

[BigUmpire]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nope- there is nothing sweet about getting $55-$70 for a game like this.

$12 per each 15 min of secheduled game time rounded up.

Where do you work, that they pay you more during the offseason? All of the games I do fall in the $55-$75 for 2 man baseball 7-9 inning games.

 

My point is if they are paying $700 $1500 per tournament AND they want quality umpires $55-$75 is TOO low.

Fall here is $6.00 per 15 min of scheduled ball.

 

 

So you work a 2 hour game and make $48?

 

Yep. BUT if the team paid $1500-$700 to play, not $75, I would want more.

 

 

And you completely have that right. If you don't like the pay, you can  turn down the assignments. 

 

I have and will. Lots of smittys and 16 year olds to do slave wage games. THAT IS THE PROBLEM!

 

 

Are you calling us smittys because we work for $55-$70/game? I am not sure name calling is appropriate. 

 

Yes. Ok.

[ALStripes17]

I think @BigUmpire likes to charge by umpire height/weight, rather than game length

[BigUmpire]

I think @BigUmpire likes to charge be umpire height/weight, rather than game length

I have been told its cheaper to pay me than feed me.

[grayhawk]

The real problem is that some folks that run these tournaments see umpiring as a commodity.  If one assignor is willing put guys out there for $3 less per game, then the person running the tournament will hire him without any thought as to the quality of the actual umpiring.  I think the problem is that arguing with the umpire is seen as just being part of the game, so if a few umpires screw the pooch, then it's mostly seen as what's expected.  It would take multiple teams deciding to not come back because of the umpiring for the tournament owner to realize that a big part of putting on a quality tournament is putting quality umpires on the field.  Quality umpires cost more, as they should.

 

However, if they put crap umpires out there and they are able to grow the tournament year over year, then putting better umpires out there is seen as nothing but increased cost.

[BigUmpire]

"The real problem is that some folks that run these tournaments see umpiring as a commodity."

 

"Quality umpires cost more, as they should."

 

Truer words have never been spoken

Thanks @greyhawk

[refump10]

The real problem is that some folks that run these tournaments see umpiring as a commodity.  If one assignor is willing put guys out there for $3 less per game, then the person running the tournament will hire him without any thought as to the quality of the actual umpiring.  I think the problem is that arguing with the umpire is seen as just being part of the game, so if a few umpires screw the pooch, then it's mostly seen as what's expected.  It would take multiple teams deciding to not come back because of the umpiring for the tournament owner to realize that a big part of putting on a quality tournament is putting quality umpires on the field.  Quality umpires cost more, as they should.

 

However, if they put crap umpires out there and they are able to grow the tournament year over year, then putting better umpires out there is seen as nothing but increased cost.

In my brief return back to the game, I am witnessing this now. The group I have worked with all summer provides umpires for a lot of the local summer travel tournaments. This group is pretty solid: lots of good umpires generally, many with college resumes to their credit. There is one group here who has allegedly been trolling looking for some guys to do some tournaments for a little less. (How much less I don't know)

As I said, the quality of umpiring with this group is pretty good. Sure, not all of them are the next coming of Doug Harvey, but all in all its a solid group. It will be interesting to see what they get as far as umpires if they continue on their own. I haven't been contacted, but I would refuse to do those games for two main reasons:

1) The group I have worked for all summer has treated me extremely well. I have been able to work just about whenever I want to.

2) I'm not about to undercut a group who has worked for better pay and better conditions just to get some games. As far as I'm concerned, if this group doesn't assign it, I'm not gonna work it. We as umpires have to stick together to protect and look out for ourselves. Nobody else is going to.

[RichMSN]

I've had many people ask me why they don't see me after the college and HS seasons are over.

Cause many places don't pay enough and will hire anyone. I'm better than that.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

[umpstu]

 

 

I assume PG picks their umpire directors for certain tournaments because I am the UIC for two small PG tournaments being hosted in October. Coach hosting the tournament is responsible for securing his UIC. I'm definitely not going to be flying any guys in haha Game fees are still being negotiated but it will be in the $55-$70 range for those (1 hour 50 min no new inning time limit)

Wow. The entrance fee is $1500 BUT they only pay umpires $55-$70. Should be $100+.

As always, screw the umpires.

 

Ump Nation/perfect Game treats us very well. My lodging is usually paid for. They pay us for games we do not work.

They bring us food in the locker rooms.

The top tournaments are $1500. Some of the others are $700.

It really is a sweet deal.

 

Wait. There is a 1 hr 50 min time limit, so even if the fee is $55 it averages out to be $27.50 per hour. Throw me in that briar patch, especially if it is good ball. 

[BigUmpire]

 

 

 

I assume PG picks their umpire directors for certain tournaments because I am the UIC for two small PG tournaments being hosted in October. Coach hosting the tournament is responsible for securing his UIC. I'm definitely not going to be flying any guys in haha Game fees are still being negotiated but it will be in the $55-$70 range for those (1 hour 50 min no new inning time limit)

Wow. The entrance fee is $1500 BUT they only pay umpires $55-$70. Should be $100+.

As always, screw the umpires.

 

Ump Nation/perfect Game treats us very well. My lodging is usually paid for. They pay us for games we do not work.

They bring us food in the locker rooms.

The top tournaments are $1500. Some of the others are $700.

It really is a sweet deal.

 

Wait. There is a 1 hr 50 min time limit, so even if the fee is $55 it averages out to be $27.50 per hour. Throw me in that briar patch, especially if it is good ball. 

 

So you would travel to a different city, stay overnight for $55 per game? You must need the money.

 

How about $45 per game, no wait $ 35 per game,  just found out its $20 per game.

 

Bumper sticker:

" I don't do this for the money BUT I won’t do it for free"- BigUmpire

[ALStripes17]

I assume PG picks their umpire directors for certain tournaments because I am the UIC for two small PG tournaments being hosted in October. Coach hosting the tournament is responsible for securing his UIC. I'm definitely not going to be flying any guys in haha Game fees are still being negotiated but it will be in the $55-$70 range for those (1 hour 50 min no new inning time limit)

Wow. The entrance fee is $1500 BUT they only pay umpires $55-$70. Should be $100+.

As always, screw the umpires.

Ump Nation/perfect Game treats us very well. My lodging is usually paid for. They pay us for games we do not work.

They bring us food in the locker rooms.

The top tournaments are $1500. Some of the others are $700.

It really is a sweet deal.

Wait. There is a 1 hr 50 min time limit, so even if the fee is $55 it averages out to be $27.50 per hour. Throw me in that briar patch, especially if it is good ball.

So you would travel to a different city, stay overnight for $55 per game? You must need the money.

How about $45 per game, no wait $ 35 per game, just found out its $20 per game.

There is no traveling done by guys in this tournament. They are all from within a 15 mile radius of tournament sites ... of course travel becomes a factor when you bring guys from out of town to umpire. That's a whole added element that is not necessary in my scenario.

[BigUmpire]

 

 

 

 

 

I assume PG picks their umpire directors for certain tournaments because I am the UIC for two small PG tournaments being hosted in October. Coach hosting the tournament is responsible for securing his UIC. I'm definitely not going to be flying any guys in haha Game fees are still being negotiated but it will be in the $55-$70 range for those (1 hour 50 min no new inning time limit)

Wow. The entrance fee is $1500 BUT they only pay umpires $55-$70. Should be $100+.

As always, screw the umpires.

 

Ump Nation/perfect Game treats us very well. My lodging is usually paid for. They pay us for games we do not work.

They bring us food in the locker rooms.

The top tournaments are $1500. Some of the others are $700.

It really is a sweet deal.

 

Wait. There is a 1 hr 50 min time limit, so even if the fee is $55 it averages out to be $27.50 per hour. Throw me in that briar patch, especially if it is good ball.

 

So you would travel to a different city, stay overnight for $55 per game? You must need the money.

How about $45 per game, no wait $ 35 per game, just found out its $20 per game.

 

There is no traveling done by guys in this tournament. They are all from within a 15 mile radius of tournament sites ... of course travel becomes a factor when you bring guys from out of town to umpire. That's a whole added element that is not necessary in my scenario.

 

It just seems to be a bad ratio $700 - $1500 to $55 - $75  BUT Everyone has a price.

[ALStripes17]

I assume PG picks their umpire directors for certain tournaments because I am the UIC for two small PG tournaments being hosted in October. Coach hosting the tournament is responsible for securing his UIC. I'm definitely not going to be flying any guys in haha Game fees are still being negotiated but it will be in the $55-$70 range for those (1 hour 50 min no new inning time limit)

Wow. The entrance fee is $1500 BUT they only pay umpires $55-$70. Should be $100+.

As always, screw the umpires.

Ump Nation/perfect Game treats us very well. My lodging is usually paid for. They pay us for games we do not work.

They bring us food in the locker rooms.

The top tournaments are $1500. Some of the others are $700.

It really is a sweet deal.

Wait. There is a 1 hr 50 min time limit, so even if the fee is $55 it averages out to be $27.50 per hour. Throw me in that briar patch, especially if it is good ball.

So you would travel to a different city, stay overnight for $55 per game? You must need the money.

How about $45 per game, no wait $ 35 per game, just found out its $20 per game.

There is no traveling done by guys in this tournament. They are all from within a 15 mile radius of tournament sites ... of course travel becomes a factor when you bring guys from out of town to umpire. That's a whole added element that is not necessary in my scenario.

It just seems to be a bad ratio $700 - $1500 to $55 - $75 BUT Everyone has a price.

Team fees are only $750 for these tourneys and I know field fees charged by some college coaches are hellacious ... trust me, if the team fees were higher, this guy would be pushing higher umpire fees.

[BigUmpire]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I assume PG picks their umpire directors for certain tournaments because I am the UIC for two small PG tournaments being hosted in October. Coach hosting the tournament is responsible for securing his UIC. I'm definitely not going to be flying any guys in haha Game fees are still being negotiated but it will be in the $55-$70 range for those (1 hour 50 min no new inning time limit)

Wow. The entrance fee is $1500 BUT they only pay umpires $55-$70. Should be $100+.

As always, screw the umpires.

 

Ump Nation/perfect Game treats us very well. My lodging is usually paid for. They pay us for games we do not work.

They bring us food in the locker rooms.

The top tournaments are $1500. Some of the others are $700.

It really is a sweet deal.

 

Wait. There is a 1 hr 50 min time limit, so even if the fee is $55 it averages out to be $27.50 per hour. Throw me in that briar patch, especially if it is good ball.

 

So you would travel to a different city, stay overnight for $55 per game? You must need the money.

How about $45 per game, no wait $ 35 per game, just found out its $20 per game.

 

There is no traveling done by guys in this tournament. They are all from within a 15 mile radius of tournament sites ... of course travel becomes a factor when you bring guys from out of town to umpire. That's a whole added element that is not necessary in my scenario.

 

It just seems to be a bad ratio $700 - $1500 to $55 - $75 BUT Everyone has a price.

 

Team fees are only $750 for these tourneys and I know field fees charged by some college coaches are hellacious ... trust me, if the team fees were higher, this guy would be pushing higher umpire fees.

 

What would happen if you did push for higher fees?

[ALStripes17]

With the numbers as my ammo, I could easily make a sell for higher fees. The precedent for most of the umpires in this area is set at around $50 for these local travel ball tournaments anyway. The $60+ game fee is comparable to the Varsity HS pay. Guys don't complain, and they make some extra cash calling games at the college fields in town. If there is more money to be had, then you definitely go for it with the numbers as your backup. How greedy is each hand involved is the question most of these tournaments have to answer

[Magic]

The real problem is that some folks that run these tournaments see umpiring as a commodity.  If one assignor is willing put guys out there for $3 less per game, then the person running the tournament will hire him without any thought as to the quality of the actual umpiring.  I think the problem is that arguing with the umpire is seen as just being part of the game, so if a few umpires screw the pooch, then it's mostly seen as what's expected.  It would take multiple teams deciding to not come back because of the umpiring for the tournament owner to realize that a big part of putting on a quality tournament is putting quality umpires on the field.  Quality umpires cost more, as they should.

 

However, if they put crap umpires out there and they are able to grow the tournament year over year, then putting better umpires out there is seen as nothing but increased cost.

 

Spoken from the gentleman that works the same games I do. 

[grayhawk]

 

The real problem is that some folks that run these tournaments see umpiring as a commodity.  If one assignor is willing put guys out there for $3 less per game, then the person running the tournament will hire him without any thought as to the quality of the actual umpiring.  I think the problem is that arguing with the umpire is seen as just being part of the game, so if a few umpires screw the pooch, then it's mostly seen as what's expected.  It would take multiple teams deciding to not come back because of the umpiring for the tournament owner to realize that a big part of putting on a quality tournament is putting quality umpires on the field.  Quality umpires cost more, as they should.

 

However, if they put crap umpires out there and they are able to grow the tournament year over year, then putting better umpires out there is seen as nothing but increased cost.

 

Spoken from the gentleman that works the same games I do. 

 

 

The games I am talking about are USSSA, other youth tournaments and, to some extent, AAU (though I do like the guy that runs AAU in my area).  I don't have a problem with the games you and I work, nor how we are treated.  I'd love to make $10 per inning at a minimum, but know that's not the going rate for the level of ball that we work.  The bonus for us is getting to work with higher level college guys (up to D1) and taking that knowledge and experience to keep working better games.

[JaxRolo]

I assume PG picks their umpire directors for certain tournaments because I am the UIC for two small PG tournaments being hosted in October. Coach hosting the tournament is responsible for securing his UIC. I'm definitely not going to be flying any guys in haha Game fees are still being negotiated but it will be in the $55-$70 range for those (1 hour 50 min no new inning time limit)

Wow. The entrance fee is $1500 BUT they only pay umpires $55-$70. Should be $100+.

As always, screw the umpires.

Ump Nation/perfect Game treats us very well. My lodging is usually paid for. They pay us for games we do not work.

They bring us food in the locker rooms.

The top tournaments are $1500. Some of the others are $700.

It really is a sweet deal.

Wait. There is a 1 hr 50 min time limit, so even if the fee is $55 it averages out to be $27.50 per hour. Throw me in that briar patch, especially if it is good ball.

So you would travel to a different city, stay overnight for $55 per game? You must need the money.

How about $45 per game, no wait $ 35 per game, just found out its $20 per game.

Bumper sticker:

" I don't do this for the money BUT I won’t do it for free"- BigUmpire

I don't mind traveling. And considering PG pays for my hotel rooms makes it even better.

Also working in major league complexes where you have time to relax, shower and be fresh for the next game is well worth it.

[StrikeDavis]

The big key to knowing how much of a profit the organization running the tournament makes in these travel ball tournaments is whether or not the host fields charge any fees.  I know in my area, the colleges that host these events do not charge for the use of the field.  In fact, there is one college that seeks out travel ball tournaments in order to show off the school and the athletic complex.  From what the one coach told me, if they get one kid to commit to their school based on the travel ball tournament, then the whole event paid for itself many times over.  Since the umpires know the tournament fee is not going towards paying a grounds crew or facilities guys, we were able to bargain for more money per game.  The UIC for these events told the travel organization when they offered to pay umps $60 per game - "I can get you guys with patches for $60.  If you want umpires, that fee is $75".  In this case that worked.  He knew the fields were available free of charge.  The travel organization runs a tournament a month or so and keeps coming back.  They wouldn't come back if they weren't making any money.

[lawump]

When I went to their website's FAQ page and read the response to the question, "What is the procedure for an ejection (of a) player/coach," and said response was, in part, "find a way to keep our customers in the game," because they pay a lot of money to be in these tournaments...that is all I need to know that I will NEVER work for this group no matter what they pay.