[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Publius

It's a two-way street. If they want to insist I'm an IC, they don't get to tell me how to accomplish a task.

My game contract is not with the state association. They insist officials are independent contractors, then thrust an adhesion contract (registration) in your face that violates many of the tenets of an IC relationship.

I administer games in accordance with the PLAYING rules. Uniforms, mechanics, and post-game administration are the province of the IC. If they want to dictate otherwise, they can adhere to ALL the tenets of the employer/employee relationship.

Another two-way street is, "If you don't like how I administer games, don't offer me games." I make myself available to work; I don't ask for games. Schools don't have to offer them via their designated assignor, but they do.

All I'm saying, Rut, is that we aren't their employees, so if they want us to be ICs, I'm going to behave like one, regardless of their "contracts," the terms of which I have no say.

They can't have their cake, and eat it, too. If you allow that, you do yourself and your fellow officials no favors.

Many officials will polish any apple, shine any shoe, and kiss any a$$ for a shot at the state finals. That's short-sighted. We aren't the whipping boys of the state association or the schools. Too many are willing to be treated as such, and that's why we are.

They like to tell us how valued we are, but when push comes to shove, they'll throw us under the bus.

It sounds like you are more worried about kissing someone's *** than you are doing your job. Yes I am an independent contractor, but that means that I do not work for the school or the state. But if I am a contractor in any other profession, it is possible that you will be governed by rules or laws that have nothing to do with who I work with or under. If you are an insurance agent, , you might not be an employee for a company that you sell products for, but if you want to keep your license you better follow the procedures that are asked of you or in those cases you might be fined or go to jail. Now it is not that series as an official, but if you do not want to play by their rules, then do not take the games. This has nothing to do with going to the state tournament or not. I know if a league which you claim you work more than HS wanted you to do something, and if you did not do what they asked you might not be able to work games. I do not see the big deal.

Peace