Unique Situation

[Ump Man Do]

So I have read many times in many places complaints from umpires that they don't get the choice assignments or the big game assignments that they feel they deserve.  Often these umpires feel that lesser umpires get these assignments based on tenure only or the "old boys club" scenario.  I actually have the opposite situation.   I am a newer (6 years total, 3 with HS, 1 college) umpire and this postseason I feel I am getting HS games that I might not deserve.  I am not selling myself short.  I am extremely dedicated to the craft and always trying to get better.  The assignor, who many think is hard to work for, has really taking a liking to me.  He knows how much I enjoy umpiring and I am always open to his constructive criticism.  He has certainly helped make me a better umpire.  I just wonder if sometimes it is too much too soon.  I am sure that there has to be some resentment some some of the veteran guys.  I am scheduled to work a state regional semi final this week and now I just received the final as well.  While I look forward to both games I not sure I "deserve" the final.  Last year I received an even higher state playoff

assignment and I don't think I enjoyed it as much as I should because I didn't feel I deserved that assignment.  I know this sounds like a good problem to have but just wondering if anyone else was ever in the same boat and has any words of wisdom?  Thanks.

[SH0102]

Two things…

1) Assignors reputations are based on who they put on the field. You wouldn’t get the assignment if someone didn’t believe in you. Instead of worrying about whether you deserve it, enjoy the game, do your best, and listen to feedback from your “more senior” peers on the game with you. As long as you don’t act like you’re gods gift to umpiring, you will be respected, but that doesn’t mean you have to act like you’re out of place either.

2) There are 2 types of people in umpiring. Those that care about it and its future and those that want their slice of the pie only.  I see an umpire I trained, in my living room, getting assignments higher than me. It can be hard but I’m happy for him. I work with several younger umpires, trying to help them.  My advice? If you’re so worried about not deserving it, pay it forward. Reach out to assignor(s) and offer to help the newest members of the next group/class. They’d prob appreciate working with a younger mentor who got a state final. While you don’t know everything, you can relate more to getting started than someone who is 30 years in.

[Tborze]

1 hour ago, Ump Man Do said:

So I have read many times in many places complaints from umpires that they don't get the choice assignments or the big game assignments that they feel they deserve.  Often these umpires feel that lesser umpires get these assignments based on tenure only or the "old boys club" scenario.  I actually have the opposite situation.   I am a newer (6 years total, 3 with HS, 1 college) umpire and this postseason I feel I am getting HS games that I might not deserve.  I am not selling myself short.  I am extremely dedicated to the craft and always trying to get better.  The assignor, who many think is hard to work for, has really taking a liking to me.  He knows how much I enjoy umpiring and I am always open to his constructive criticism.  He has certainly helped make me a better umpire.  I just wonder if sometimes it is too much too soon.  I am sure that there has to be some resentment some some of the veteran guys.  I am scheduled to work a state regional semi final this week and now I just received the final as well.  While I look forward to both games I not sure I "deserve" the final.  Last year I received an even higher state playoff

assignment and I don't think I enjoyed it as much as I should because I didn't feel I deserved that assignment.  I know this sounds like a good problem to have but just wondering if anyone else was ever in the same boat and has any words of wisdom?  Thanks.

Don’t feel guilty!

They didn’t when they were taking all the games!!

[BigBlue4u]

Always remember this.  Your reputation, good or bad, is based on what OTHERS think of your work, not what YOU think of your work. Too many umpires have it all backward.

[TheRockawayKid]

Don't rest on your laurels, keep going! 

[beerguy55]

Sounds like you're suffering a bit of imposter syndrome.   The good thing for you is a prerequisite to imposter syndrome is not being an imposter.