locky801 wrote:Heard from a Senior Field umpire today they have been asked to accept a $50.00 payment only per game for umpiring Div 1 and Div 1 Res if the season takes off
Not sure I understand the logic of umpires having to take a pay cut here.
Don't get me wrong, I get that there are plenty of people who think umpires are overpaid for the average service they provide already, but paying them less isn't going to encourage the good ones to stick around.
Last year a good umpire would have got 18 games at $100 a go, for $1800.
Now they are only going to get 9 games at $50 a hit, for $450.
I get that we all have to share the pain so to speak, but their wage has already been cut in half based on the number of games, they shouldn't be asked to take a further paycut in my opinion.
I don't buy the argument that the clubs need the assistance. Club's costs have already been cut in half through the reduction in games, add to that the reduction (or complete removal) in player payments. For some clubs, there will be an improved financial position. I get that many sponsors will be hard hit, but most are still chipping in between 50 and 70% of their initial commitment, and those that paid before covid hit have put in their full amount.
Even if you buy the narrative that clubs are struggling, we are talking about clubs with turnovers in the neighbourhood of $200k per season. Is the $450 this saves clubs really going to help that much?
For mine it makes next to bugger all difference for the clubs, but hurts the umpires disproportionally, and will potentially lead to a lower standard of umpiring within the competition.