Giving Game Fees back

[TussAgee11]

I've just been notified by one of the assignors I work for that in order to work one of the bigger tournaments, we need to send him a check that matches one game fee for shirts, hats, etc. Normally, we are provided with tournament shirts and hats. I believe that this typically comes out of each team's entry fee, along with our game fees as well.

The reasoning is because of the bad economy, we as umpires can do something to make it easier on each team that signs up to play.

Now listen, I'm all for giving back. I had no problem last year working 4 games in a tournament and giving back all but enough for gas and six pack. The tournament was a fundraiser for a local girl who was sick.

But this one peeves me a bit more and I'm not sure I'll cave. The decision was made without my input at all, since I'm still in school and am 600 miles away from meetings. I guess perks of the union life...

Anyone have anything similar going on in their area?