Being a Rookie …. Again!

Thoughts On Moving To A New Association

I have been umpiring for the last 13 years at various levels including High School, and NCAA regular season and post-season games and I am also a graduate of the Jim Evans Academy. So please tell me why when I moved to a new area, we will call it "the Island", I had to contact several associations before I found one that would not treat me like a rookie and stick me with the young age groups and freshman ball. Forget about JV, Varsity and college wooden bat or adult leagues during the summer even though that's what I have been doing for the last seven years.

Now since I can tell that some of you out there are getting your boxers in a knot let me say that I completely understand that each association has its own rules and policies and that a association would be nuts not to at least evaluate a new umpire regardless of his previous experience before assigning him to a high level game. I also have no problem with having to go through a mandatory clinic or take a field and rules test. In fact I will always go to a clinic when ever I can, as I feel that no matter how good you are you could always learn something. >What I can't stand however are associations that operate with politics and promote and assign games based on your longevity and how well you are liked with in the association rather than on your skill. You know who you are.

I was lucky enough to hook up with a fantastic new association in the area. They talked to me about my experience and gave me a chance. They assigned me a couple of games and I worked with one of their senior umpires who evaluated me. That's all I wanted, a chance to prove my ability. Not to get stuck with low level ball for the next couple of years while the best assignments are going to the some guys only because they have been there since the last ice age or they are the assignors drinking buddy. Even worse is when I was told by one elitist group which told me I would have to go through a complete "rookie school" then have to work with first year umpires again in games where you "Thank God!" for the time limit.

Doing that only serves to make potential umpires avoid your association if they can and if you're the only association around get you a pissed off member from the get go. Note to all those associations like this out there, get off your high horse because eventually doing this will bite you in the ass.

I am not saying give any guy that comes in and says he is the greatest thing to umpiring since the "clicker" cart-blanch. But if he can provide credentials (reference letters etc.) give the guy a chance. Take the time to call his old association. Let him join on probation, give him a few games and evaluate his performance. You just might get yourself a good umpire. If you still think your right and I'm wrong just think back to when you started. Remember paying your dues doing all the young age groups and low level games, or getting stuck working the dish every game because you were the rookie. Well, we all did it once working our way up, why should we have to do it again because of some associations' arrogance.

... in my personal opinion only

Casey Bradley

The opinions expressed above are solely those of the author and do not reflect the policy, practice, teaching or instruction of any individual, organization, association or group.