Fees, again

[UmpTTS43]

I have heard of associations fining their members and then get into hot water. The arguement is that since we are "independant contractors" we cannot be fined. If an association "fines" someone, that can be interpreted as an employee/employer situation, in which case unemployment taxes and such should be paid. There was a situation like this somewhere in the country where the state went after an umpire association for 70k in back taxes. I'm not a lawyer, just an FYI.

As far as working solo when two should have been there ... one guy, two sets of responsibilities. I'm getting at least my game fee and half of the other or they can have zero umpires and save all the $.

[Kevin Finnerty]

Here's the fine structure when a guy either pulls a no-show, or turns back too many games: The assignor says "Fine ... he won't be getting any more games!"

Then, a bunch of extra games pop up on the schedules of enthusiastic, reliable, diligent, nattily attired umpires like me.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by UmpTTS43

I have heard of associations fining their members and then get into hot water. The arguement is that since we are "independant contractors" we cannot be fined. If an association "fines" someone, that can be interpreted as an employee/employer situation, in which case unemployment taxes and such should be paid. There was a situation like this somewhere in the country where the state went after an umpire association for 70k in back taxes. I'm not a lawyer, just an FYI.

As far as working solo when two should have been there ... one guy, two sets of responsibilities. I'm getting at least my game fee and half of the other or they can have zero umpires and save all the $.

Except that they're not getting what they agreed to pay for.

As an umpire, I expect nothing extra (that way when I get more, I'm happy). I don't want a non-trained guy working the bases either, I can do better myself. If I get more, fine. If I don't, I make a mental note to push that assignor or team way down my list of who I'll work for. And the partner (unless it's someone with a good excuse) gets scratched.

[jicecone]

Independent contractors can have independent contracts with predetermined agreements. Legally, I can't speak for the the Labor Departments determinations about this, (which I understand has varied from state to state) however, the officials other choice for doing our games was, NOT TO DO OUR GAMES.

[waltjp]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

Except that they're not getting what they agreed to pay for.

As an umpire, I expect nothing extra (that way when I get more, I'm happy). I don't want a non-trained guy working the bases either, I can do better myself. If I get more, fine. If I don't, I make a mental note to push that assignor or team way down my list of who I'll work for. And the partner (unless it's someone with a good excuse) gets scratched.

The teams agreed to pay 2X for 2 umpires. They now have 1 umpire and are paying 1 1/2 X. They're not paying more money. They're receiving a reduced service and an appropriate reduction in cost.