like to think of myself as "an aspiring professional." I say it that way because I want to give the impression that I have that attitude. I do not think of myself as "a professional." That would imply, using the common, accepted understanding of the phrase, that I work in one of the professional leagues under the supervision of PBUC.

But professionals do accept remuneration for their services. That's a mark of "the professional: "He'll take the money." It's a reward for his dedication to impartiality. No team, no individual can buy him out. He gets paid by both teams or by the league.

If you have a "professional" attitude and do not subscribe to Officiating.Com, I suggest you change your thinking. And get a BRD, too!

Coaching and politicking

There's another set of attitudes on the ball field that necessitates the umpire's professional attitude. That set belongs to the coaches. Much like politicians, they are looking out for only one thing, a win, a success, not a defeat. Happily for umpires, we become indispensable in such a situation.

Coaches and politicians are cut from the same cloth, I think. They will both speak out of both sides of the mouth — and often at the same time.

Continued...