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DMN Article - Umpires

cheapseatscheapseats1,000+ posts
From the HSgametime website....

--------------------------------------------

Umpires are Facing a Big Call as Season Nears

07:51 PM CST on Monday, February 9, 2009
Dallas Morning News
Matt Wixon

The UIL's opening day for baseball is less than two weeks away, but before the first pitch, umpires are already making calls. Not balls or strikes, but whether to be there to yell "play ball!" on Feb. 23.

That's because some umpires in the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO), which provides the officials for UIL sports, are upset that they might get paid less this year.

"There's always a shortage of officials, and it's getting worse," said David Gunter, president of TASO's Collin County baseball chapter. "This year, we have guys who are members who have decided not to call for games. I can't make them go."

Why some umpires in TASO's 37 chapters could be paid less is a little complicated, but it relates to two things:

1. The UIL now prohibits schools from paying a flat fee to an umpire.

2. The amount of mileage paid to umpires can vary.

According to UIL rules, umpires are to be paid a minimum of $45 for a varsity baseball game. Umpires can earn more based on the revenue from ticket sales for a game.

But unlike for football and basketball, not all schools charge admission for baseball games.

So in past years, chapters such as Collin County and North Texas didn't ask for gate receipts from the schools where umpires worked. Instead, they charged a flat fee that started with the UIL's $45 minimum amount and factored in mileage, and in some cases, a meal for the umpire.

"We charged a flat fee. Everybody was happy. No problems," said Tim Smithart, president of the North Texas chapter of TASO. "Now you can't have flat fees. You have to pay what the UIL says."

And although the UIL wants to standardize umpire pay as much as possible, that amount can vary because of what schools pay umpires for mileage. The minimum is to reimburse one umpire for mileage and pay the other a $10 rider fee, but the UIL allows schools to decide whether they want to pay mileage for both umpires.

The umpires would like that. Most schools don't want to pay it.

"We are paying one mileage and one rider fee," said Richardson ISD athletic director Bob Dubey. "We believe that's fair."

Given that the mileage rate of 58.5 cents per mile was set in September, when gas was close to $4 a gallon, Dubey has a point. But Gunter, who said his chapter has had 78 percent turnover of umpires since 2000, said recruiting umpires is getting more difficult.

Dubey has discussed the issues with the Dallas chapter of TASO and said he doesn't expect any problems. Gunter and Smithart also said they expect umpires at their chapters to get all their games covered this season.

But, as Gunter said, he can't make any of the umpires accept an assignment. The TASO bylaws state that the association will abide by the UIL's payment rules, but the umpires are independent contractors and most have other jobs. So they could decide not to umpire this season.

That could lead to a shortage. If not on Feb. 23, then perhaps sometime during the season.

"I hope it doesn't, but I think this could blow up," Gunter said.


UMPIRE PAY
The UIL pay scale for varsity baseball umpires (does not include mileage reimbursement).

Gross gate receipts.. Single game .. Doubleheader
Up to $150............... $45 ...........$75
$150 to $300............. $50 ...........$80
$300 to $500 ............ $55 ...........$85
$500 to $700 ............ $60 ...........$90
$700 to $1,000 .......... $65 ...........$95
$1,000 to $1,500......... $75 ...........$105
$1,500 to $2,000 ........ $80 ...........$115

Each additional $1,000 in gate receipts adds $20
------------------------------------------------------------ "Your talent is God's gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God." Leo Buscaglia
Last edited {1}
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F FormerObserver1,000+ posts
quote:
Most schools don't want to pay it.

"We are paying one mileage and one rider fee," said Richardson ISD athletic director Bob Dubey. "We believe that's fair."


Just wondering if Mr. Doobie knows how to umpire.......

But, that's dubious, ain't it?

quote:
1. The UIL now prohibits schools from paying a flat fee to an umpire.

2. The amount of mileage paid to umpires can vary.

According to UIL rules, umpires are to be paid a MINIMUM of $45 for a varsity baseball game.


The amount of mileage paid to umpires can vary.

I've heard for years that the UIL set the "maximum" amount that an umpire can receive.

If these are the correct rules, then they are setting a minimun fee for the game with a provision for reimbursement for travel.

It's obvious from the article that "most schools don't want to pay it".

From another thread on this website.

Umpires on Strike

Not hard to figure out why the umps are having some issues is it?

And, according to the single game fee scale, for an extra $35, you could avoid having the finance director at the game to count the gate receipts.

Just pay 'em $80 plus mileage and forget it.

Thanks for raising the issue cheap lady................

This issue might gain some momentum here.
Last edited by FormerObserver
M Maverick0714500+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by FormerObserver:
quote:
Most schools don't want to pay it.

"We are paying one mileage and one rider fee," said Richardson ISD athletic director Bob Dubey. "We believe that's fair."


Just wondering if Mr. Doobie knows how to umpire.......

But, that's dubious, ain't it?

quote:
1. The UIL now prohibits schools from paying a flat fee to an umpire.

2. The amount of mileage paid to umpires can vary.

According to UIL rules, umpires are to be paid a MINIMUM of $45 for a varsity baseball game.


The amount of mileage paid to umpires can vary.

I've heard for years that the UIL set the "maximum" amount that an umpire can receive.

If these are the correct rules, then they are setting a minimun fee for the game with a provision for reimbursement for travel.

It's obvious from the article that "most schools don't want to pay it".

From another thread on this website.

Umpires on Strike

Not hard to figure out why the umps are having some issues is it?

And, according to the single game fee scale, for an extra $35, you could avoid having the finance director at the game to count the gate receipts.

Just pay 'em $80 plus mileage and forget it.

Thanks for raising the issue cheap lady................

This issue might gain some momentum here.


FO... your idea makes too much sense... UIL would never go for it...
DillonDillon100+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by Ken Guthrie:
The solution is easy....

Just grab a few folks from the stands to call the game.

They generally have all the right calls anyway.


You're right, plus add a coach from each Dugout and you're bound to get it correct!
Or SWAC can do all of your games from behind the mound by himself...
Mickey Mantle World SeriesMickey Mantle World Series100+ posts
I was hesitant to speak with Matt because typically when you deal with a reporter a lot of things get left out. Or, when they write the story it might not come out the way it was intended. Matt and I spoke for over 30 minutes.......then I sent him 3 emails with more stuff. Got a little fired up. Obviously he couldn't put everything in the story. I'm a little hesitant to post here, but what the heck.

Let me make something perfectly clear: OUR CHAPTER IS FORTUNATE IN THAT WE HAVE GREAT COACHES. They have helped us with our clinics for several years, and have provided feedback/evaluations on officials when asked. Essentially any time we need something they will do what they can to help. All of the coaches we work with understand.
-----------------------------------

This is one boogered up mess. For whatever reasons this became a hot topic for the UIL. I know some, but not all of the reasons behind it. It really shouldn't be this difficult.

Gate Fee Structure

Some schools charge gate, while others don't. Look at that structure.

What if the gate collected is $150? How much is the game fee? $300 - same question? $500 - same question. They include the exclusions.

What about the venues that host multiple events (baeball, softball, s****r) and collect one gate? How do you determine the gate collected for baseball if you have 3 events?

What does it matter if $75 or $575 was collected? How does that affect the job I do on the field? Typically that money collected doesn't go to the baseball funds. Usually it goes to the general fund. I'm sure each school district is a little different.

I don't think that it's unreasonable for an official to know what they're going to be paid before they accept the assignment.

Good luck to all schools, players, and coaches.

As a parent who has already had a son go through HS and in his last year of college ball, let me offer this: People in this world are dying because they don't have clean water to drink. Enjoy baseball for what it is ------- a game that your son plays. But it's a great game, ain't it?

Sincerely,

David Gunter
CCBUA, President



One hundred years from now it will not matter:
What Kind of car I drove,
What kind of house I lived in,
How much I had in my bank account,
Nor what my clothes looked like.
But, the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.
17sbigbrother17sbigbrother10+ posts
Umpires should be paid a flat fee and that's it. I don't get paid to drive to my job so why should an umpire....that is their choice of profession and/or a second job.

Also, can the districts not organize themselves and schedule an umpire who lives only 10-20 miles away to games in his area and not send an umpire from 45+ miles away. (I realize this changes as you move down in school size as 1A, 2A, & 3A schools are not close in proximity at times). Umpires should NOT be able to collect a percentage of gate reciepts....that money should go directly back to the schools participating so they can use the funds to improve their fields, facilities, road trips for tournaments, playoffs, etc.
txbball14txbball14100+ posts
lol...that reminds me of game last year that we had a guy drive almost 100 miles to officiate our game and complained the whole time. I noticed about midway through the game that another official, a local guy, was sitting in the bleachers watching our game. He then told me that he did not have a game scheduled that night...lol

Now that was great scheduling.
F FormerObserver1,000+ posts
Umps,

It looks like the 'minimum' fee should be between $45 and $80, plus the mileage to and from the game for each ump.

Create an invoice for the fee plus the mileage with the pertinent information regarding the trip.

Don't put anything on there about the hot dog or hamburger, (or the steak dinners).

Give it to the coach.

If you don't get your money, don't work the next time they call.

That's how I get paid for my work.

You might loose a fee for one game, but that's it.

You make the call.
F funneldrill1,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by 17sbigbrother:
Umpires should be paid a flat fee and that's it. I don't get paid to drive to my job so why should an umpire....that is their choice of profession and/or a second job.

Also, can the districts not organize themselves and schedule an umpire who lives only 10-20 miles away to games in his area and not send an umpire from 45+ miles away. (I realize this changes as you move down in school size as 1A, 2A, & 3A schools are not close in proximity at times). Umpires should NOT be able to collect a percentage of gate reciepts....that money should go directly back to the schools participating so they can use the funds to improve their fields, facilities, road trips for tournaments, playoffs, etc.


The umpires association has an umpire that does the scheduling for all the umpires in their association.

*Coaches send association our schedule...
*Chapter Assigner then assigns umpires to games...
*With the Alliance Chapter, we use the arbiter. It allows us to see our games and what umpires are assigned to them.
*This way if they do a great job, or a poor job, I can make a note of it for future reference, i.e. rating umpires for playoff selection. But, more importantly, it is confirmation of date, time, and site of games. Also, the umpires address and contact information is there for us, as well as our contact information for them.

Also, we video tape our games so I can scout an umpire just like I would my opponent.
Last edited by funneldrill
wraggArmwraggArm500+ posts
I'd like to see HS umpires make as much as can be made reasonably within the limits of what's fair. With better pay comes the ability to be more selective and to hold them to a better standard - higher quality individuals ensue.

I think the bigger the attendance, the more exposure he has to the crowd - and I want him to be able to by gosh handle the heckling without being unduly influenced. He (or she?) deserves to be a part of the gate proceeds if he continually qualifies as a good ump who can call a straight game under the pressure of larger crowds or important games.
17sbigbrother17sbigbrother10+ posts
All great input and ideas from all. I think a reasobable flat rate (for others to determine) is completely fair for the regular season and the post-season rate should be increased for those umpires selected to participate....just like the NBA, NFL, NCAA, etc. I really have a problem with these guys charging mileage fees....they have the option to decline if it's too far away as well as being able to write the mileage off on their taxes if they see fit...just like someone in sales who uses his vehicle for work.

I'm also struggling with umpires having the right to collect a percentage of gate receipts. That money should really go back to the schools participating in the game(s). The income from these games can be used to help schools repair fields, improve the facilities, fund playoff expenses or out of town tournaments, new uniforms and warm-ups, etc.

Just because a large crowd shows up for a game and the umpire does a good job shouldn't consitute him in earning a percentage of the gate receipts. He should do a good job whether there is 1 person in the stands or 5,000. Their reward is to qualify for the playoffs and earn more income that way. Just like any job out there, do a good job and you will be rewarded whether it's a bonus in the corporate world, commissions in sales jobs, or earning the right to umpire playoff games.
F funneldrill1,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by tychco:
Alright, fd, quit trying to get some close calls going your way... Cool


Saw right through that did you? Big Grin

Seriously, I know the football referees get paid by the gate receipts. Those guys that call the playoff games at Texas Stadium make alot of money. The bigger the crowd, the more they make! Why shouldn't baseball umpires get the same deal? Problem is not all schools, especially small ones, charge gate. Then, like it was mentioned earlier, at some complexes there is one gate for softball and baseball...maybe even s****r!
Last edited by funneldrill
Mickey Mantle World SeriesMickey Mantle World Series100+ posts
Want to make sure you know I'm not complaining, just trying to explain. I get asked a lot of questions from people regarding baseball officials.

Officials are not paid a percentage of the gate. Their pay is a graduated rate based on the gate (in theory.) It works pretty good for football most of the time, but not always. Their gate is recorded more accurately because they have to turn in a percentage of the football gate to the UIL. The gate fee is the UILs doing. They think it's great.

Baseball officials don't have much trust in the gate structure. Here's one example of many:

Official works a playoff game at a large venue in the area between 2 large schools. According to stadium personnel the attendance guess is 3-4,000. Let's says 2,000 to be conservative. $5 a head.....no passes = $10,000 gate. When the official receives his check, the total for mileage + meal fee + gate = $65.

(Personally, I haven't received payment for a playoff from 2003.)

And the gate fees typically don't go back to the program. It goes to the general fund, and we know where most of that goes. The baseball teams don't see it .....typically.

As far as the mileage, if you had a flat fee that was adequate, then you could do away with the mileage in some parts of the state. Other parts of the state had a flat mileage rate to keep the $$ down for the school. Now with the way the UIL has put it, the mileage will cost the schools more than the flat rates they had worked out.

The point is you have to make it worth their while to want to do it. I live the numbers. It is a struggle every year to get people to do it. It takes a lot of time, a lot of work, a lot of time away from family, a lot of studying, a lot of $$$ for equipment, and a lot of time off of work.

Any Volunteers???????? Ohhhhh, there's that 'V' word.

I hadn't planned on calling so that I can watch my 3 boys do their thing. One is playing freshmen baseball. My man-child is finishing basketball, will run track, and I will help coach his baseball team. My other is in his last year of college ball 300 miles away and coming back from TJ surgery.
wraggArmwraggArm500+ posts
quote:
He should do a good job whether there is 1 person in the stands or 5,000. Their reward is to qualify for the playoffs and earn more income that way


Bologna. This is a short-term performance/pay cycle, and you can't expect an umpire to layout some career strategy to realize his $$'s in the playoffs (especially when its a second job). You're going to get what you pay for that day. And there's nothing worse than walking away from a game that was determined by an unskilled ump.
Last edited by wraggArm
O Outsider100+ posts
I'm curious. What do umpires, parents, fans, or coaches think is an appropriate amount to umpire a high school varsity game? What about a JV game? Freshmen? Any school administrators want to chime in?

Not looking for any arguments. I'd just like to see how wide the gamut will be. I have no dog in this hunt other than I like high school baseball.
17sbigbrother17sbigbrother10+ posts
quote:
Bologna. This is a short-term performance/pay cycle, and you can't expect an umpire to layout some career strategy to realize his $$'s in the playoffs (especially when its a second job). You're going to get what you pay for that day. And there's nothing worse than walking away from a game that was determined by an unskilled ump.


No thanks, I like ham and turkey. Actually, I can expect an umpire to layout a career strategy if that's what so he chooses. However, if an umpire just wants a second job then that umpire should have enough respect for the game and the players involved to do his best job especially knowing what is at stake. As for "getting what you pay for", I can't agree...just because something is more expensive doesn't necessarily mean it's a superior product.

As funneldrill previously stated, the Umpire Association has a grading system and can make notes about umpires' performances throught the season as well as video tapping the games for future reference. Very true...that is a terrible feeling but I also know that just because an umpire isn't doing a good job and possibly affecting the outcome of the game, you as a coach or player have to find a way to fight thru it and discover another way to win the game. That's why there are 9 innings (7 in HS).
txbball14txbball14100+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by Outsider:
I'm curious. What do umpires, parents, fans, or coaches think is an appropriate amount to umpire a high school varsity game? What about a JV game? Freshmen? Any school administrators want to chime in?

Not looking for any arguments. I'd just like to see how wide the gamut will be. I have no dog in this hunt other than I like high school baseball.



Honestly, I think 60.00 + mileage is about fair. There are not many jobs around that are going to pay 30.00/hour and your gas too, but as many have said before...these guys do not have to do this.

The only glory in this job is that you get to be around the greatest game ever. No decision they make is right (at least one side is going to disagree), you have parents upset that you called Little Johnny out on strikes (even though Little Johnny has struck out 2 out of 3 at bats all year).

It is a thankless job.
M Maverick0714500+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by Old School79:
quote:
Originally posted by tychco:
Alright, fd, quit trying to get some close calls going your way... Cool



LMAO.....already starting to work them. This might be the first time that I have ever seen it from a desktop, instead of a dugout.


Wouldn't surprise me to see FD start giving free Car Washes to the umpires... He has an angle for everything... lmao
wraggArmwraggArm500+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by 17sbigbrother:
Actually, I can expect an umpire to layout a career strategy if that's what so he chooses. However, if an umpire just wants a second job then that umpire should have enough respect for the game and the players involved to do his best job especially knowing what is at stake.



Yep, you're right. You CAN expect an umpire to be diligent about his second career for peanuts. You CAN also expect the greeter girl at Applebee's to bend over backwards to serve you just like the Maitre 'd at Jean Gorges in NY. You CAN expect the trash guy to meticulously replace your trash barrels in your front yard, just like you want him to, because he should know how important it is to make a neighborhood look good on trash day. You CAN expect everyone around you to rise to the occasion to meet all those lofty standards you've got swimming around in your head if you want to.

Good luck with all that...
Last edited by wraggArm

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