Home team Umpire

[Mizzou2016]

I've recently been trying to get into umpiring college, and got a hold of a local NAIA coach, who basically said "Here's our home schedule, take whichever games you want." This is Fall ball stuff, so not regular season yet. I wondered if it would be wise to take every game I can, or if I should hold back to prevent being essentially a home team ump. I know that I am impartial, but perception is everything.

[zoops]

Depends on the coach and how bad you need the work/money.  Sometimes it's the only option.  Sometimes you really develop a mutual respect, almost a friendship with the coach/team which I guess can be good or bad depending how you look at it.  I worked the only college team within 100 miles of my home for 8 doubleheaders this spring and I got a little tired of them but their coach is a whiner and one who tries to play the "we're getting screwed over and I've got to question every little thing" angle.  And I'm sure they got a little tired of seeing me out there all the time too.  But that's just the way the cookie crumbles.  It wasn't what I would call a great working environment but I'm probably a better umpire because of it due to the fact I had to be very professional and very conscientious about managing a situation where the team is looking for any chance to jump on the umpires.  I'm not going to not umpire just because there's only one real option.  

[maineump]

Go ahead and do it. It is fall ball, so less pressure. You can get a chance to 'work up' and improve YOUR game. Fall ball is a great option.

If you get some sort of relationship with the coach and players, then they can make your learning worthwhile for both of you. Spring ball is obviously different as conference coordinators generally assign the games. This opportunity gives you a chance to see if you are ready for the next step.

[blue23ll]

I say go for it!  It's fall ball and you will probably get to work with guys who you can network with. 

[BillKen]

Agree with the others here...you need to get to know people who can vouch for you...whether that is coach or other umps, you can never be wrong in getting your work out there for others to see in this type of situation.