[cmathews]

Originally Posted by Niner

In regard to independent contractors, I think that PGA golfers are about as independent as they come; however, the PGA was FORCED IN COURT to accommodate that golfer with the bad leg. The Big Ten is HQ'ed in Illinois, so they will probably have to address IL law. I think it is a little weak to term him an independent contractor when the Big Ten trains him, evaluates him, disciplines him, directs his activities, sets behavior standards, set grooming standards, determines who he will work with, etc. The Big Ten claims they are ind. contractors, but they will have to prove it in court.

PGA golfers are paid based on how they finish in a competition, with some obvious exceptions being appearance fees. In that way they are different than working for a flat rate. They aren't paid by the PGA they are paid by the different tournament sponsors. The players are members of the PGA not hired by the PGA, so to deny an otherwise capable member of your organization a chance to compete because of a handicap is a different ball of wax.